Differential Diagnoses for Abdominal Pain with Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroenteritis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the combination of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Gastroenteritis, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, is a common condition that matches the symptoms described.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Food Poisoning: Similar to gastroenteritis, food poisoning can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, typically after consuming contaminated food or drinks.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Although IBS is more chronic, an acute exacerbation could present with these symptoms, especially if triggered by certain foods or stress.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting, especially during a flare-up.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although the presence of diarrhea might be less common, appendicitis is a surgical emergency that can present with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It's crucial not to miss this diagnosis due to its severe consequences if untreated.
- Intestinal Obstruction: This condition can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. It requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications like bowel ischemia.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: This is a life-threatening condition where blood flow to the intestines is compromised, leading to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Early diagnosis is critical for survival.
Rare Diagnoses
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. It's more common in children but can occur in adults.
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by the infiltration of eosinophils into the gastrointestinal wall, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause malabsorption, leading to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss, among other symptoms.