Differential Diagnosis for Pain in Stomach More Often Epigastric After Defecation
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This condition is characterized by abdominal pain associated with bowel movements, changes in bowel habits, and often relieved by defecation. The epigastric location of pain after defecation could be related to the referred pain from the intestines.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Symptoms can include epigastric pain, especially after eating or straining during defecation, which increases abdominal pressure.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause epigastric pain that may be exacerbated by eating or, in some cases, by the act of defecation due to increased abdominal pressure.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain, often related to bowel movements, though the pain is typically more widespread than just epigastric.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Mesenteric Ischemia: Although less common, this condition involves insufficient blood flow to the intestines and can cause severe abdominal pain, which might be exacerbated by activities that increase demand on the intestines, such as defecation.
- Pancreatitis: Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe epigastric pain that radiates to the back and may worsen after eating or straining.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Gastric Cancer: Though rare, especially in younger populations, gastric cancer can cause epigastric pain and changes in bowel habits.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A mechanical blockage of the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits, including pain after defecation attempts.
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, and changes in bowel habits.