Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 22, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for a 67-year-old Male with Diarrhea, Fatigue, Headache, Chills, and Night Sweats

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Gastroenteritis: This is likely due to the combination of diarrhea, fatigue, headache, chills, and night sweats, which are common symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection. The lack of sick contacts does not rule out gastroenteritis, as it can be caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, some of which may be acquired through contaminated food or water.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Flare: Although less common in a new presentation at 67, IBD (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) can present at any age and could explain the gastrointestinal symptoms along with systemic symptoms like fatigue and night sweats.
  • Diverticulitis: This condition, which involves inflammation of the diverticula in the wall of the colon, can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and chills. It's more common in older adults and could fit the presentation.
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While more common in women, UTIs can occur in men, especially at older ages, and can cause systemic symptoms like fever, chills, and fatigue, along with urinary symptoms that might not be immediately apparent.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Infection: Although the patient reports no new medications, which is a common risk factor for C. diff, it's still a critical diagnosis to consider due to its potential severity and the fact that community-acquired cases can occur.
  • Typhoid Fever: Caused by Salmonella Typhi, this infection can present with fever, headache, and abdominal pain, and although less common in developed countries, it's a critical diagnosis to consider due to its severity and the need for specific antibiotic treatment.
  • Lymphoma: Certain types of lymphoma can cause systemic symptoms like fever, night sweats, and weight loss, and while less likely, it's a diagnosis that would have significant implications for treatment and prognosis.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and arthralgias, among other symptoms. It's very uncommon but can be fatal if not treated.
  • Brucellosis: A zoonotic infection that can cause fever, night sweats, and fatigue, among other symptoms. It's rare in most areas but could be considered in individuals with exposure to animals or certain foods.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): While TB can cause a variety of symptoms including fever, night sweats, and weight loss, gastrointestinal TB is less common and might present with diarrhea and abdominal pain. It's a rare consideration in this context but important in certain populations or with specific risk factors.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.