Differential Diagnosis for Slight Burning Sensation

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by stomach acid frequently flowing back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (esophagus). The burning sensation is often described as heartburn and can be triggered by certain foods or lying down.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Peptic ulcer disease: This condition involves sores in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, which can cause burning stomach pain.
  • Dyspepsia: Also known as indigestion, dyspepsia is a term for a group of symptoms that people often describe as bloating, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine, causing a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Although less common, chest pain or burning sensation can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially in women.
  • Esophageal rupture or perforation: A rare but life-threatening condition where the esophagus tears, which can cause severe chest pain and burning sensation.
  • Pneumonia or pulmonary embolism: In some cases, a burning sensation in the chest can be related to lung issues, such as pneumonia or a pulmonary embolism.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: A rare disorder characterized by excessive production of stomach acid due to high levels of gastrin, leading to severe ulcers and burning sensations.
  • 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, leading to inflammation and burning sensations.