Differential Diagnosis for Young Female with Abdominal Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is often the most common cause of abdominal pain in young females, characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits, without an identifiable cause.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gynecological issues: Conditions such as dysmenorrhea, ovarian cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are common in young females and can cause abdominal pain.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, can also cause abdominal pain.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Young females are prone to UTIs, which can cause abdominal pain, especially in the lower abdomen.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic pregnancy: Although less likely, an ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that must be considered, especially if the patient is sexually active and has a missed period.
- Appendicitis: This is a surgical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
- Ovarian torsion: This is a rare but serious condition that can cause severe abdominal pain and requires immediate medical attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing abdominal pain, especially during menstruation.
- Intra-abdominal shigellosis: A rare bacterial infection that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever.
- Abdominal migraines: A rare condition characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as headache or nausea.