Differential Diagnosis for Fever with Chills, Vomiting, and Lower Abdominal Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Appendicitis: This condition is a common cause of lower abdominal pain, often accompanied by fever, chills, and vomiting. The pain typically starts near the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen. Appendicitis requires prompt medical attention to prevent rupture.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection, can cause fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The symptoms can be similar to appendicitis but are often more diffuse and may include diarrhea.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A UTI, especially if it involves the kidneys (pyelonephritis), can cause lower abdominal pain, fever, chills, and vomiting. The pain is often more flank-like but can radiate to the lower abdomen.
- Ovarian Cyst or Torsion: In females, an ovarian cyst can cause lower abdominal pain, and if the cyst ruptures or the ovary torsions, it can lead to severe pain, fever, and vomiting.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the digestive tract can cause lower abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. It's more common in older adults.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic Pregnancy: In females of childbearing age, an ectopic pregnancy can present with lower abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. It's a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. It's a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Perforated Viscus: A hole in the wall of the stomach or intestine can lead to peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal cavity, causing severe pain, fever, and vomiting.
Rare Diagnoses
- Mesenteric Lymphadenitis: Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery (the tissue that attaches the intestines to the back of the abdominal wall) can mimic appendicitis but is less common.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Flare: Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause lower abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits, but the onset is usually more gradual.
- Endometriosis: In females, endometriosis can cause chronic lower abdominal pain, but acute presentations with fever and vomiting are less common and usually related to other complications like an endometrioma rupture.