Differential Diagnosis for Umbilical Pain in a Seven-Year-Old
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Functional abdominal pain: This is a common condition in children, often presenting with recurrent abdominal pain, including around the umbilical area, without an identifiable cause. It's related to stress, anxiety, or changes in bowel habits.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Constipation: Can cause abdominal pain that may be perceived around the umbilical area due to the buildup of stool in the intestines.
- Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to infection, can cause abdominal pain, including around the umbilicus.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While more common in girls, UTIs can cause abdominal pain, including in the umbilical area, especially if the infection involves the kidneys.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although less common in this age group, appendicitis can present with abdominal pain that initially may be diffuse or around the umbilicus before localizing to the right lower quadrant.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stools. It's a medical emergency.
- Pneumonia: Basilar pneumonia can refer pain to the abdomen, including the umbilical area, especially if the diaphragm is irritated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Meckel's Diverticulum: A congenital anomaly of the small intestine that can cause pain, bleeding, or obstruction, though it's less common.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain, including around the umbilicus, though they are less common in young children.
- Ovarian torsion or ovarian cyst: In girls, these conditions can cause severe abdominal pain, though they are rare and usually associated with other symptoms like nausea and vomiting.