Differential Diagnosis for Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of diarrhea and abdominal pain, often due to norovirus or rotavirus, and is usually self-limiting.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial Gastroenteritis: Caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, or E. coli, which can lead to more severe symptoms and may require antibiotic treatment.
- Food Poisoning: Similar to bacterial gastroenteritis but typically related to the consumption of contaminated food.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition characterized by recurring abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements, which can include diarrhea.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are chronic and can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis can present with abdominal pain and diarrhea, and missing this diagnosis can lead to severe consequences, including perforation.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, especially in children.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: A serious condition where blood flow to the intestines is blocked, leading to severe abdominal pain and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon, which can cause abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and potentially severe complications if not treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption.
- Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the Giardia parasite, which can lead to chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption.
- Lactose Intolerance: The inability to digest lactose, leading to bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consuming lactose-containing products.