Differential Diagnosis for Left Side Fullness under Ribs when Sitting Down
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and fullness, especially when sitting down or bending over. The symptoms can be exacerbated by eating large meals, lying down after eating, or consuming trigger foods.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, and fullness, which may worsen when sitting down due to increased pressure on the abdominal cavity.
- Constipation: Constipation can lead to abdominal fullness and discomfort, particularly if the constipation is severe and accompanied by fecal impaction.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fullness, which may be more noticeable when sitting down.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Splenic infarction or rupture: Although less common, a splenic infarction or rupture can cause severe left upper quadrant pain and fullness, which may be exacerbated by movement or position changes.
- Pancreatitis: Pancreatic inflammation can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and fullness, which may radiate to the back and worsen when sitting down or eating.
- Gastric cancer: Although rare, gastric cancer can cause upper abdominal discomfort, fullness, and weight loss, which may be more noticeable when sitting down or after eating.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Splenomegaly due to lymphoma or leukemia: Enlargement of the spleen due to hematological malignancies can cause left upper quadrant fullness and discomfort.
- Diaphragmatic hernia: A diaphragmatic hernia can cause abdominal organs to herniate into the thoracic cavity, leading to fullness and discomfort under the ribs, especially when sitting down.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: A large abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause abdominal fullness and discomfort, which may be more noticeable when sitting down or with movement.