Gas Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for gas can be organized into the following categories:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Intestinal gas (swallowing air, gas-producing foods, or malabsorption): This is the most common cause of gas, as it is a normal byproduct of digestion and can be exacerbated by certain foods or swallowing air.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements, IBS can cause gas and discomfort.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus can cause discomfort, bloating, and gas.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Bowel Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and gas, and is a medical emergency.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and gas, and requires prompt surgical attention.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain, gas, and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to react to gluten, leading to malabsorption and gas.
- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can cause gas, bloating, and malabsorption.
- Carbohydrate Malabsorption (e.g., lactose or fructose intolerance): The inability to digest certain carbohydrates can lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea.