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Differential Diagnosis for Low Abdominal Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Constipation: This is often the most common cause of low abdominal pain, especially if the pain is accompanied by changes in bowel habits, bloating, or difficulty passing stools.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Characterized by recurring abdominal pain associated with a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, without an identifiable cause.
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Can cause lower abdominal pain, especially if the infection has moved up to the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
  • Ovarian Cysts: In women, ovarian cysts can cause low abdominal pain, especially if the cyst ruptures or twists (torsion).
  • Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the digestive tract, which can cause pain in the lower left abdomen.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Appendicitis: Although it typically presents with pain in the right lower quadrant, appendicitis can sometimes cause lower abdominal pain if the appendix is located in a retrocecal position.
  • Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, which can cause severe abdominal pain and is a medical emergency.
  • Ruptured Ovarian Cyst: Can cause severe pain and internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention.
  • Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine that can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain, especially during menstruation.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
  • Lymphoma: A type of cancer that can cause abdominal pain, swelling, and weight loss, though it's less common as a primary cause of low abdominal pain.
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A swelling of the main blood vessel that leads from the heart and passes through the abdomen, which can cause abdominal pain and is a medical emergency if it ruptures.

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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