Differential Diagnosis for Postprandial Abdominal Distension
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common condition characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Postprandial abdominal distension is a hallmark symptom of IBS, particularly after eating certain foods that can trigger symptoms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Functional Dyspepsia: This condition involves upper abdominal symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, and early satiety, which can worsen after eating. It's a common cause of postprandial discomfort and distension.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): While primarily known for causing heartburn, GERD can also lead to bloating and abdominal distension after meals due to impaired gastric emptying and increased pressure on the stomach.
- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): This condition occurs when there's an abnormal increase in the bacteria population in the small intestine, leading to bloating, gas, and abdominal distension after eating, especially after consuming fermentable foods.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Gastric Cancer: Although less common, gastric cancer can present with postprandial abdominal distension among other symptoms like weight loss and abdominal pain. Early detection is crucial for treatment outcomes.
- Intestinal Obstruction: This is a medical emergency that can cause severe abdominal distension, especially after eating. It's essential to consider this diagnosis to prevent complications like bowel ischemia.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal distension, among other symptoms, and require prompt diagnosis and treatment to manage the disease and prevent complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to react to gluten, leading to malabsorption and symptoms like bloating and abdominal distension after consuming gluten-containing foods.
- Gastroparesis: A condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying, which can cause bloating, nausea, and abdominal distension after meals. It can be associated with diabetes, neurological disorders, or post-surgical complications.
- Abdominal Lymphoma: A type of cancer that can cause abdominal distension due to the accumulation of fluid or the growth of the tumor itself. It's a rare condition but important to consider in the differential diagnosis.