Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain, Nausea, and Anemia
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: This condition is a common cause of abdominal pain and can lead to nausea and anemia due to chronic blood loss. The pain is typically localized to the upper abdomen and can be exacerbated by food or improved by antacids.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): While GERD primarily causes heartburn, it can also lead to nausea and, in severe cases, anemia due to chronic inflammation and potential bleeding.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and anemia due to chronic inflammation and blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon can cause abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and potentially lead to anemia if there is significant blood loss.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Although less common, an ectopic pregnancy can present with abdominal pain and nausea. Anemia might not be an initial finding but could occur if the ectopic pregnancy ruptures, leading to significant internal bleeding.
- Appendicitis: While appendicitis typically presents with right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting, it can sometimes cause anemia if there is significant blood loss or if the appendix ruptures.
- Intestinal Obstruction: This condition can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Anemia might not be an immediate concern but could develop if there is significant blood loss or if the obstruction leads to bowel ischemia.
Rare Diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten can cause malabsorption, leading to anemia and gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and nausea.
- Gastric Cancer: Although rare, gastric cancer can present with nonspecific symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and anemia due to chronic blood loss.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Similar to gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and anemia, especially if it involves the duodenum or causes significant blood loss.