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Last updated: August 18, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain in a Kid

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Constipation: This is a common cause of abdominal pain in children, often due to a low-fiber diet, dehydration, or poor bowel habits. The pain is usually crampy and relieved by bowel movements.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: Also known as the stomach flu, this condition is characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs can cause abdominal pain, especially in the lower abdomen, along with symptoms like dysuria, frequent urination, and fever.
  • Functional Abdominal Pain: This is a common condition in children where the abdominal pain is not explained by other medical conditions. It can be related to stress, anxiety, or changes in bowel habits.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. If missed, it can lead to perforation and peritonitis.
  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into another, causing bowel obstruction. It's a medical emergency that can lead to ischemia and necrosis if not promptly treated.
  • Pyloric Stenosis: A condition where the pylorus muscle thickens, blocking food from entering the small intestine. It's more common in infants and requires urgent medical attention to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are less common in children but can cause chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
  • Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP): A rare condition that causes blood vessel inflammation, leading to abdominal pain, rash, and joint pain.
  • Abdominal Migraine: A condition that causes recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, often accompanied by headache, nausea, and vomiting. It's more common in children with a family history of migraines.

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.

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