Differentials
Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD)
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
AAD includes osmotic diarrhoea associated with antibiotic use. Nausea and diarrhoea present. Absence of fever.
INVESTIGATIONS
All tests within normal limits. Negative tests for Clostridioides difficile toxin.
Ischaemic colitis
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
History of stroke, hypotension, heart failure, diabetes, or abdominal radiation exposure. Symptoms of bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever.
INVESTIGATIONS
Colonoscopy reveals inflamed mucosal surface or ischaemic ulcers. Angiography reveals arterial flow disruption.
Bacterial or viral gastroenteritis
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
History of travel, eating contaminated food, or family members also ill.
May have history of bloody stools.
INVESTIGATIONS
Blood as well as stool culture positive for invasive bacterial infection.
Inflammatory bowel disease
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Chronic diarrhoea that may be bloody with extra-intestinal manifestations.
INVESTIGATIONS
Colonoscopic and pathological findings suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease.
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