Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Cramping, Pain, and Blood in Stool
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are common causes of chronic abdominal pain, cramping, and bloody stools due to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroenteritis: Infections of the stomach and intestines can cause abdominal cramping, pain, and bloody stools, especially if the infection is caused by certain bacteria or viruses.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon can lead to abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits, including bloody stools.
- Hemorrhoids: Although often associated with painless bleeding, hemorrhoids can cause abdominal discomfort and cramping, especially if they are thrombosed or prolapsed.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Intestinal Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain, cramping, and bloody stools. This condition is a medical emergency and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Colon Cancer: Although less common in younger individuals, colon cancer can present with abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and bloody stools. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Infectious Colitis: Certain infections, such as those caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), can lead to severe colitis, which may present with abdominal cramping, pain, and bloody stools.
Rare Diagnoses
- Meckel's Diverticulum: A congenital anomaly of the small intestine that can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in children and young adults.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another part, which can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and bloody stools. It is more common in children but can occur in adults.
- Angiodysplasia: Vascular malformations in the gastrointestinal tract that can cause chronic or recurrent bleeding, potentially leading to abdominal pain and cramping.