Differential Diagnosis for 38yo Male with Mid to Left Side Abdominal Pain and Loose Stools
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common condition characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, such as loose stools. The symptoms described are classic for IBS, especially given the absence of other alarming features like blood in stool, significant weight loss, or fever.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroenteritis: An infection of the intestines and stomach, usually caused by bacteria or viruses, leading to abdominal pain and loose stools.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea, though they often present with additional symptoms such as weight loss and blood in the stool.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the digestive tract, which can cause abdominal pain, usually on the left side, and changes in bowel habits.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although appendicitis typically presents with right lower quadrant pain, it can occasionally present atypically, especially if the appendix is retrocecal. Missing this diagnosis can lead to perforation and severe complications.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine that can cause severe abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications like ischemia.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: A condition where there's insufficient blood flow to the intestines, which can cause severe abdominal pain out of proportion to the physical examination findings. It's a medical emergency.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause malabsorption, leading to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
- Carcinoid Syndrome: A condition caused by a rare type of tumor that can produce substances leading to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other systemic symptoms.