Differential Diagnosis for a 2-year-old Girl Holding Her Stomach When She Coughs
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is a common condition in young children, especially girls, and can cause abdominal pain that worsens with coughing due to the increased pressure on the bladder.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Constipation: Hard stools can cause abdominal pain, and coughing can exacerbate the discomfort.
- Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines can lead to abdominal pain that may worsen with coughing.
- Pneumonia: While primarily a respiratory infection, pneumonia can cause abdominal pain, especially if the child is coughing forcefully.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although less common in very young children, appendicitis is a surgical emergency that can present with abdominal pain and worsening symptoms with coughing.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into another, which can cause severe abdominal pain and is a medical emergency.
- Pneumoperitoneum: Free air in the abdominal cavity, often due to a perforated viscus, which is a surgical emergency.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Meckel's Diverticulum: A congenital anomaly of the small intestine that can cause abdominal pain and may rupture, leading to peritonitis.
- Mesenteric Lymphadenitis: Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery, which can mimic appendicitis and cause abdominal pain.
- Foreign Body Ingestion: If the child has ingested something that is causing an intestinal obstruction or perforation, it could lead to severe abdominal pain and other symptoms.