Differential Diagnosis for Food Poisoning
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of food poisoning, often resulting from norovirus or rotavirus infection, and typically presents with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Bacterial Food Poisoning (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter): These bacteria are common causes of food poisoning, often associated with undercooked meat, eggs, or dairy products, and can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
- Staphylococcal Food Poisoning: Caused by the ingestion of foods contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus toxins, this condition typically presents with rapid onset of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Botulism: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by the ingestion of foods contaminated with Clostridium botulinum toxins, which can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory failure.
- Listeriosis: Caused by Listeria monocytogenes, this infection can be severe in pregnant women, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals, leading to symptoms like fever, headache, and stiff neck.
- Rare diagnoses
- Mushroom Poisoning: Ingestion of certain toxic mushrooms can cause a range of symptoms, from gastrointestinal distress to liver and kidney failure, and even death.
- Scombroid Poisoning: Caused by the ingestion of spoiled fish (e.g., tuna, mackerel), this condition can lead to symptoms like flushing, headache, and abdominal cramps due to high levels of histamine.
- Ciguatera Fish Poisoning: Ingestion of fish contaminated with ciguatoxins can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and neurological abnormalities, including numbness and tingling.