Differential Diagnosis for Whoosing Sound in Abdomen Examination with Constipation
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Intestinal obstruction: The whoosing sound, possibly a bowel sound, combined with constipation, suggests a blockage in the intestines that prevents normal bowel movements and causes abnormal sounds.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Although IBS can cause a variety of bowel symptoms, the specific combination of whoosing sounds and constipation might be less typical but still possible, especially if the patient experiences gas and bloating.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): While GERD primarily affects the upper GI tract, severe cases can lead to abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits, potentially accompanied by unusual sounds.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Volvulus: A condition where a part of the intestine twists, cutting off its blood supply. It's a surgical emergency and can present with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation, along with abnormal bowel sounds.
- Ischemic Bowel Disease: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and abnormal sounds. It's critical to diagnose promptly to prevent tissue death.
- Bowel Infarction: The death of intestinal tissue due to lack of blood supply, which can be caused by various factors including embolism, thrombosis, or venous thrombosis. It's a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, potentially causing bowel obstruction. It's more common in children but can occur in adults, often with a lead point such as a tumor.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: Although primarily presenting with back or abdominal pain, a large aneurysm can compress or obstruct nearby structures, potentially leading to constipation and abnormal abdominal sounds.