Differential Diagnosis for Stabbing Pain when Taking Deep Breaths in Upper Left Abdominal Quadrant
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, causing pain that can worsen with deep breathing or lying down. The upper left abdominal quadrant pain can be referred from the esophagus.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause sharp, stabbing pains that may radiate to the upper left quadrant and can be exacerbated by deep breathing.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to pain in the upper abdomen, which may worsen with deep breathing due to increased abdominal pressure.
- Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs can cause sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, which might be referred to the upper left abdominal quadrant.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common, a pulmonary embolism can cause sudden, severe chest pain that worsens with deep breathing. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis due to its high mortality rate if untreated.
- Myocardial Infarction: Chest pain that radiates to the abdomen and worsens with deep breathing could be a sign of a heart attack, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like arm pain or shortness of breath.
- Pneumonia: Severe infection of the lung can cause pleuritic chest pain that worsens with deep breathing and could be referred to the upper left abdominal quadrant.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Splenic Infarction: A blockage of the splenic artery can cause severe, sudden pain in the upper left abdomen, which might worsen with deep breathing due to increased pressure on the spleen.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back and might worsen with deep breathing, although it's more commonly associated with the upper middle abdomen.
- Diaphragmatic Hernia: A hernia through the diaphragm can cause abdominal organs to protrude into the chest cavity, leading to pain that worsens with deep breathing.