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Differential Diagnosis for 15 y.o with Ongoing Abdominal Pain and Burning Sensation

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Functional Dyspepsia: This is a common condition in adolescents characterized by recurring or persistent abdominal pain and burning sensation, not explained by other medical conditions. The symptoms often worsen with food intake and can be associated with stress.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause abdominal pain and a burning sensation, especially after eating or at night, due to stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is another common condition that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. The pain can sometimes be described as burning.
  • Peptic Ulcer Disease: Although less common in adolescents, peptic ulcers can cause a burning abdominal pain that may improve or worsen with eating.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Appendicitis: While the classic presentation includes acute onset of pain, nausea, and vomiting, atypical presentations can occur, especially in younger patients. Missing appendicitis can lead to severe complications.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can present with chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
  • Pancreatitis: Acute or chronic pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain and should be considered, especially if there's a history of gallstones, certain medications, or family history of pancreatitis.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption. It's less common but should be considered, especially with other symptoms like weight loss or fatigue.
  • Gastric or Duodenal Cancer: Extremely rare in adolescents, but any persistent or severe symptoms warrant a thorough investigation to rule out malignancies.
  • Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It's often associated with allergies or atopic diseases.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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