Differential Diagnosis for 26 yo Female with Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the symptoms of nausea, emesis, fevers, upper abdominal pain, and watery loose stools. The duration of over 1 week and the difficulty eating and keeping food down are consistent with a viral etiology.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Food Poisoning: The symptoms of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea could be consistent with food poisoning, especially if the patient has a history of consuming undercooked or contaminated food.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Although less likely, IBD (e.g., Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) could present with similar symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
- Giardiasis: This parasitic infection can cause prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss, especially in individuals who have traveled or been exposed to contaminated water.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Appendicitis: Although the symptoms are not typical, appendicitis can present with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and it is a surgical emergency.
- Intestinal Obstruction: This condition can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and obstipation, and requires prompt surgical intervention.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: In a female patient of childbearing age, ectopic pregnancy must be considered, especially if there is a history of missed periods or abdominal pain.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Whipple's Disease: A rare bacterial infection that can cause malabsorption, weight loss, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder that can cause malabsorption, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in response to gluten ingestion.
- Tropical Sprue: A rare condition that can cause malabsorption, diarrhea, and weight loss, often associated with travel to tropical regions.