Differential Diagnosis for Pain from Inflammation in All Body Parts
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. It's a common cause of diffuse body pain and inflammation, often without a clear underlying cause.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, potentially leading to widespread body pain if multiple joints are involved.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs, causing inflammation and pain.
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): A condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, typically in the shoulders, hips, and neck, and can be associated with inflammation.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septicemia or Sepsis: A life-threatening condition caused by a severe infection that can lead to widespread inflammation and pain. Early recognition and treatment are crucial.
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma or leukemia, can cause systemic inflammation and pain. Although less common, missing a diagnosis of cancer can have severe consequences.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels, which can cause pain and inflammation in various parts of the body and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of disorders that affect the connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues, potentially causing widespread pain and inflammation.
- Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the cartilage and other tissues, leading to pain and inflammation in various body parts.
- Sarcoidosis: A condition in which inflammatory cells (granulomas) form in various organs, potentially causing widespread pain and inflammation, although it more commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes.