Differential Diagnosis for Fever and Diarrhea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of fever and diarrhea, often due to norovirus or rotavirus, and typically presents with acute onset of symptoms, including vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial Gastroenteritis: Caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter, which can lead to fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The presence of blood in the stool or a recent travel history may increase the likelihood of this diagnosis.
- Food Poisoning: Similar to bacterial gastroenteritis but typically related to the consumption of contaminated food. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can present with chronic diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain, although they are less common causes of acute fever and diarrhea.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Infection: A potentially life-threatening condition that can cause severe diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain, especially in individuals who have recently used antibiotics or have been hospitalized.
- Cholera: Although rare in many parts of the world, cholera is a highly infectious disease that causes severe, watery diarrhea and can lead to rapid dehydration and death if not promptly treated.
- Typhoid Fever: Caused by Salmonella Typhi, this condition can present with fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and is more common in areas with poor sanitation. It requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, which can lead to chronic diarrhea, fever, and weight loss. It's more common in individuals who have traveled to areas where the parasite is common or have been exposed to contaminated water.
- Amoebic Dysentery: Caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, this condition can cause bloody diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. It's rare in developed countries but can be seen in travelers to endemic areas.
- Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause chronic diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and abdominal pain, among other symptoms. It's often diagnosed late due to its non-specific presentation.