Differential Diagnosis for Stomach Pain/Cramping and Constipation
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Constipation: This is the most likely diagnosis given the symptoms of stomach pain/cramping and constipation for 4 days. Constipation can cause abdominal pain and cramping due to the buildup of stool in the intestines.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common condition that can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits, including constipation.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause stomach pain and cramping, especially after eating, and can also lead to constipation in some cases.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD, including conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits, including constipation.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Intestinal Obstruction: Although less likely, intestinal obstruction is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. It can cause severe abdominal pain, cramping, and constipation.
- Appendicitis: Appendicitis is a medical emergency that can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits. Although the pain is typically localized to the lower right abdomen, it can sometimes be more diffuse.
- Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is a condition where the diverticula in the intestines become inflamed, causing abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits.
Rare Diagnoses
- Colorectal Cancer: Although rare in younger individuals, colorectal cancer can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits, including constipation.
- Neurological Disorders: Certain neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, can cause constipation and abdominal pain due to autonomic dysfunction.
- Endocrine Disorders: Certain endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, can cause constipation and abdominal pain due to slowed gut motility.