Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Cramps

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is often the most common cause of abdominal cramps, characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, without an identifiable cause.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, leading to symptoms like abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Constipation: Hard or infrequent stools can cause significant abdominal discomfort and cramping.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation of the GI tract, leading to abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and weight loss.
• Food Intolerance: Lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance (celiac disease), and other food intolerances can lead to abdominal cramps, bloating, and changes in bowel habits after consuming specific foods.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt surgical intervention. It typically presents with severe abdominal pain, initially diffuse and then localized to the right lower quadrant, accompanied by fever and vomiting.
• Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine can cause severe abdominal cramps, vomiting, and constipation, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: In women of childbearing age, ectopic pregnancy can present with abdominal pain and cramping, and is a life-threatening condition if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
• Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon can cause severe abdominal pain, usually in the left lower quadrant, and may be accompanied by fever and changes in bowel habits.

Rare Diagnoses

• Porphyria: A group of disorders that can cause abdominal pain, neurological symptoms, and psychiatric disturbances due to defects in heme biosynthesis.
• Lead Poisoning: Can cause abdominal pain, constipation, and neurological symptoms due to exposure to lead.
• Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome: A rare condition where the celiac artery is compressed, leading to abdominal pain after eating.
• Abdominal Migraine: A condition that causes recurrent episodes of severe abdominal pain, often accompanied by other migraine symptoms like headache and nausea.