Differential Diagnosis for 16 y/o with Stomach Pain and Diarrhea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the acute onset of stomach pain and diarrhea, which are common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis, often caused by norovirus or rotavirus. The fact that symptoms started after school suggests a possible infectious cause.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Food Poisoning: This could be a likely cause if the patient consumed contaminated or spoiled food, leading to symptoms of stomach pain and diarrhea.
- Bacterial Gastroenteritis: Similar to viral gastroenteritis but caused by bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Campylobacter, often from contaminated food or water.
- Stress or Anxiety-related Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Given the patient's age and the onset of symptoms after school, stress or anxiety could be contributing factors, possibly leading to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although less likely given the primary symptoms of diarrhea and stomach pain, appendicitis can present atypically, especially in younger patients, and is a surgical emergency.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can present with chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain but should be considered in the differential due to their significant impact on the patient's quality of life and the need for specific management.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause bowel obstruction and ischemia, requiring urgent medical attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, which can lead to diarrhea and abdominal cramps, more common in individuals who drink untreated water or have exposure to contaminated water during travel or outdoor activities.
- Yersiniosis: A bacterial infection caused by Yersinia enterocolitica, which can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain, often associated with consuming contaminated food or water.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain among other symptoms.