Differential Diagnosis for Colitis and Ileitis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Given the symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting in a 25-year-old, IBD (which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) is a strong consideration due to its peak incidence in young adults and the nature of the symptoms presented.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Infectious Colitis: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause similar symptoms and are common in young adults, especially if there's a history of travel, antibiotic use, or exposure to contaminated food and water.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Although IBS typically doesn't cause vomiting, it can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, and its diagnosis should be considered, especially if there's a pattern of symptom exacerbation with stress or certain foods.
- Food Poisoning: Acute onset of symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain could suggest food poisoning, which is a common condition that can affect anyone.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although the primary symptom is usually abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea can occur, especially if the appendix ruptures. Missing this diagnosis can lead to severe complications.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause bowel obstruction and ischemia. It's rare in adults but can present with abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Behçet's Disease: A form of vasculitis that can affect the gastrointestinal tract, among other systems, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, although it's more commonly associated with oral and genital ulcers.
- Gastrointestinal Lymphoma: A rare type of cancer that can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially if the ileum is involved.