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.