Differential Diagnosis for 2-year-old with 1 week of fever and diarrhea
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Viral gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of fever and diarrhea in a 2-year-old, often caused by rotavirus, norovirus, or adenovirus. The symptoms and age of the patient make this diagnosis highly probable.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Bacterial gastroenteritis: Caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, or E. coli, this condition can also present with fever and diarrhea. The presence of blood in the stool or a recent history of antibiotic use might increase the likelihood of a bacterial cause.
- Parasitic gastroenteritis: Giardiasis is a common parasitic infection in children that can cause prolonged diarrhea and fever.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Intussusception: Although more commonly associated with abdominal pain and bloody stools, intussusception can occasionally present with fever and diarrhea. It's a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can present with chronic diarrhea and fever. Early diagnosis is crucial for management.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): Typically following a bacterial infection like E. coli O157:H7, HUS can lead to severe kidney failure and is a medical emergency.
- Rare diagnoses
- Food poisoning: While not rare in the general population, food poisoning is less common in toddlers and might present with similar symptoms.
- Chronic infections: Such as tuberculosis or HIV, which can cause chronic diarrhea and fever but are less common in this age group without specific risk factors.
- Immunodeficiency: Conditions that impair the immune system can lead to recurrent or persistent infections, including those causing fever and diarrhea.