Differential Diagnosis for Stomach Pain

Hello Sohail Merel, I'd be happy to help you with your stomach pain. Based on your symptoms, here's a differential diagnosis:

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Gastroenteritis: This is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, which can start suddenly and last for several days.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Peptic Ulcer Disease: Stomach pain can be a symptom of a peptic ulcer, which is an open sore that develops on the inside lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. The pain is often described as a burning sensation and can be exacerbated by eating.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a disorder affecting the large intestine, causing a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, diarrhea, or constipation.
  • Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can lead to stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms typically start within hours of eating the contaminated food.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Appendicitis: Although the pain of appendicitis typically starts near the belly button and then moves to the lower right abdomen, it's crucial not to miss this diagnosis as it requires immediate surgical attention. Appendicitis can present with a variety of symptoms including stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe stomach pain that radiates to the back, nausea, vomiting, and fever. This condition requires prompt medical attention.
  • Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine can cause severe stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, and lack of gas passage. This is a medical emergency.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Gastric Cancer: Although rare, especially in younger individuals, stomach cancer can cause stomach pain, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis): These are chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
  • Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by the presence of eosinophils in the stomach wall, leading to stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes intestinal obstruction.

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. They will likely perform a physical examination, take a detailed medical history, and may order diagnostic tests such as blood work, imaging studies, or endoscopy to determine the cause of your stomach pain.