Differential Diagnosis Of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be caused by a wide range of conditions, and identifying the exact cause often requires careful evaluation. The differential diagnosis is broad and can be categorized into several key groups:

Inflammatory Conditions

Inflammation is a common cause of abdominal pain and is typically associated with symptoms such as fever, localized pain, and abdominal rigidity. Common inflammatory diseases include appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Perforation Of The Bowel

A sudden, severe abdominal pain accompanied by a rigid, board-like abdomen is often indicative of bowel perforation. This condition presents with tenderness, rebound tenderness, and signs of peritoneal irritation. Common causes include peptic ulcer disease and duodenal ulcers leading to perforation.

Intestinal Obstruction

Obstruction within the gastrointestinal tract can lead to symptoms such as bloating, cessation of bowel movements and gas, along with crampy abdominal pain. It may result from post-surgical adhesions or tumors causing narrowing of the intestinal lumen.

Hemorrhage Or Internal Bleeding

Traumatic injuries such as splenic rupture or damage to the intestines can lead to both overt and occult bleeding. Symptoms may include blood in the stool, urine, or signs of internal hemorrhage which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.

Vascular Insufficiency Or Ischemic Disorders

Conditions like arterial embolism or venous thrombosis can cause persistent abdominal pain that doesn't match the physical findings. These ischemic conditions are particularly dangerous due to their subtle presentation and potential for rapid deterioration.