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Differential Diagnosis for Upper Abdominal Burning

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the upper abdomen. It is a common condition that can be exacerbated by factors such as obesity, pregnancy, and certain foods.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Peptic Ulcer Disease: This includes both gastric and duodenal ulcers, which can cause burning pain in the upper abdomen due to the erosion of the mucosal lining by stomach acid.
  • Functional Dyspepsia: A condition marked by recurring signs and symptoms of indigestion that have no obvious cause, often including upper abdominal burning or discomfort.
  • Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be caused by infection, alcohol, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), leading to upper abdominal burning.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Myocardial Infarction: Although less common, myocardial infarction (heart attack) can present with atypical symptoms including upper abdominal burning or discomfort, especially in women and diabetic patients.
  • Pulmonary Embolism: In rare cases, a pulmonary embolism can cause referred pain to the upper abdomen, making it crucial not to miss this potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Aortic Dissection: A serious condition where there is a tear in the aorta's inner layer, which can cause severe, tearing chest pain that may radiate to the upper abdomen.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: A rare disorder characterized by excessive gastric acid production due to a gastrin-secreting tumor, leading to severe peptic ulcers and upper abdominal burning.
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A chronic immune system disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, builds up in the esophagus in response to an allergen or irritant, causing inflammation and burning.
  • Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, which can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms including upper abdominal burning or discomfort.

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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