What is the diagnosis for a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and abdominal pain in the periumbilical region?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 27, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for ợ chua, đau bụng vùng rốn

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing symptoms like ợ chua (heartburn) and đau bụng vùng rốn (abdominal pain around the navel area). The proximity of the symptoms to the stomach and esophagus makes GERD a likely cause.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Peptic ulcer disease: This includes both gastric and duodenal ulcers, which can cause abdominal pain and heartburn due to the erosion of the stomach or duodenal lining by acid.
    • Functional dyspepsia: A condition where the stomach doesn't function normally, leading to symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and heartburn without any visible signs of disease.
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Although primarily associated with bowel habits, IBS can also cause abdominal pain and discomfort that might be referred to the area around the navel.
  • Do Not Miss diagnoses
    • Appendicitis: Although the pain typically starts near the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen, it's crucial not to miss this diagnosis due to its potential for severe complications if not treated promptly.
    • Intestinal obstruction: This is a blockage that prevents the normal flow of the products of digestion, which can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation.
    • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back and is often accompanied by vomiting.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Gastric cancer: Although rare, especially in younger populations, it can cause a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain and heartburn.
    • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation of the GI tract, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
    • Eosinophilic esophagitis: A chronic immune system disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, builds up in the esophagus in response to an allergen or irritant, leading to difficulty swallowing and abdominal pain.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.