Differential Diagnosis for Lower Abdominal Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Constipation: A common cause of lower abdominal pain, often accompanied by changes in bowel habits, but not necessarily nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Musculoskeletal strain: Lower back or abdominal muscle strain can cause significant pain and is a frequent occurrence.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While UTIs often present with dysuria and frequency, some patients may experience lower abdominal pain without these symptoms.
- Ovarian cysts: These can cause intermittent or constant lower abdominal pain and are relatively common in women of reproductive age.
- Inguinal hernia: Especially in men, an inguinal hernia can cause lower abdominal pain, particularly with coughing, lifting, or straining.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although classically presenting with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, some cases may not have these symptoms, making it crucial not to miss this diagnosis due to its potential for severe complications.
- Ectopic pregnancy: A life-threatening condition in women of childbearing age, presenting with lower abdominal pain, which may or may not be accompanied by other symptoms like vaginal bleeding.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon can cause severe lower abdominal pain and may not always present with the typical changes in bowel habits.
- Kidney stones: While often associated with severe flank pain, kidney stones can sometimes cause lower abdominal pain, especially if they are moving down the ureter.
Rare Diagnoses
- Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, leading to pain, often cyclic, and other symptoms.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic lower abdominal pain, among other symptoms.
- Ovarian torsion: A rare but emergency condition where the ovary twists around its ligaments, cutting off blood supply, and causing severe pain.
- Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: Although more common in older individuals with risk factors, this is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.