Differential Diagnosis for Stomach Cramps in the Lower Abdomen
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common condition characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. The symptoms can include cramping in the lower abdomen, making it a likely diagnosis for stomach cramps in this area.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, leading to symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms including lower abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and weight loss.
- Constipation: Hard or infrequent stools can cause significant discomfort and cramping in the lower abdomen.
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): For women, PMS can include symptoms of lower abdominal cramping, bloating, and mood changes.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although the pain typically starts near the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen, it's crucial not to miss this diagnosis as appendicitis requires urgent surgical attention.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus can cause severe lower abdominal pain and is a medical emergency.
- Ovarian Torsion: A condition where the ovary twists around its ligaments, cutting off blood supply, and can cause severe pain.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the digestive tract, which can cause severe abdominal pain, usually on the lower left side.
Rare Diagnoses
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, potentially blocking blood flow and causing severe abdominal pain.
- Meckel's Diverticulum: A small bulge in the small intestine that can cause pain, nausea, and vomiting if it becomes inflamed or infected.
- Endometriosis: While not rare, it's less likely to be considered initially for acute stomach cramps but can cause chronic pelvic pain and cramping during menstruation.
- Lead Poisoning: Can cause abdominal pain and cramping among other symptoms, though it's less common and usually associated with other signs of poisoning.