Differential Diagnosis for Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) Pain with No Bowel Movements

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Constipation: This is a common condition that can cause LUQ pain due to the buildup of stool in the colon, which can put pressure on the surrounding areas, including the LUQ.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus can cause pain in the LUQ, and decreased bowel movements can be associated with slowed gut motility.
  • Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon can cause LUQ pain, changes in bowel habits, including constipation.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A condition characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements, which can include constipation and LUQ pain.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Bowel obstruction: A blockage in the intestine that can cause severe abdominal pain, constipation, and vomiting. This is a medical emergency.
  • Appendicitis: Although appendicitis typically presents with right lower quadrant pain, it can sometimes cause LUQ pain, especially if the appendix is located in an atypical position.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe LUQ pain and changes in bowel habits.
  • Ovarian torsion (in females): A condition where the ovary twists around its ligaments, cutting off blood supply, which can cause severe LUQ pain and changes in bowel habits due to the proximity of the ovaries to the intestines.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause bowel obstruction and LUQ pain.
  • Volvulus: A twisting of a portion of the intestine, which can cause bowel obstruction, LUQ pain, and changes in bowel habits.
  • Splenic infarction: A condition where the spleen's blood supply is blocked, causing LUQ pain, which can be associated with changes in bowel habits due to the spleen's location near the intestines.