Differential Diagnosis for Postprandial Abdominal Distension and Arthralgias
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This condition is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, and is often exacerbated by eating. The postprandial abdominal distension and occasional arthralgias can be part of the symptom complex of IBS, making it a plausible first consideration.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): While primarily known for causing heartburn, GERD can also lead to abdominal distension due to swallowed air or delayed gastric emptying. Arthralgias might not be a direct symptom but could be coincidental or related to a separate condition.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal distension due to inflammation and gas production in the intestines. Arthralgias are common in IBD due to the systemic inflammatory nature of these diseases.
- Food Intolerances: Lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, or gluten sensitivity (in the case of celiac disease) can lead to bloating and abdominal distension after eating. Arthralgias might be less directly related but could occur due to the inflammatory response or as part of a separate condition.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ovarian Cancer: Although less common, ovarian cancer can present with abdominal distension due to ascites or tumor growth. Arthralgias could be part of the symptomatology, especially if there is metastasis to the bones. This diagnosis is critical to consider due to its severe prognosis if missed.
- Gastric Cancer: Similar to ovarian cancer, gastric cancer can cause abdominal distension and, less commonly, arthralgias, especially if there is metastatic disease.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including arthralgias and, less commonly, abdominal distension due to peritonitis or bowel involvement.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: This group of disorders affects connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal distension, and joint hypermobility or arthralgias can be part of the clinical presentation.
- Scleroderma: A chronic disease characterized by deposition of collagen, leading to hardening and tightening of skin and connective tissues. It can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal distension due to gastrointestinal dysmotility, and arthralgias due to the systemic nature of the disease.
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid (a particular type of protein) in various tissues of the body. It can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal distension due to gastrointestinal involvement and arthralgias due to musculoskeletal involvement.