Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroenteritis: This is a common cause of abdominal pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The patient's symptoms and history would likely point towards a viral or bacterial infection.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition characterized by recurring abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. The patient's symptoms and medical history would help determine if IBS is a likely cause.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. The patient's symptoms, family history, and laboratory tests would help diagnose IBD.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Stomach or duodenal ulcers can cause abdominal pain, especially in the upper abdomen. The patient's symptoms, medical history, and endoscopy results would help confirm this diagnosis.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: A life-threatening condition that requires prompt surgical attention. The patient's symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting, would necessitate immediate evaluation.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus can cause abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and other symptoms. This diagnosis is critical to consider in female patients of childbearing age.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. The patient's symptoms, imaging studies, and surgical history would help diagnose this condition.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The patient's symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging studies would help confirm this diagnosis.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A weakening of the aortic wall can cause abdominal pain, back pain, and other symptoms. This diagnosis is more common in older adults with a history of smoking or high blood pressure.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: A reduction in blood flow to the intestine can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The patient's symptoms, imaging studies, and risk factors (e.g., atrial fibrillation) would help diagnose this condition.
- Porphyria: A group of rare genetic disorders that can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and other symptoms. The patient's symptoms, family history, and laboratory tests would help confirm this diagnosis.