Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Distention and Bloating
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): The patient's symptoms of abdominal distention, bloating, and constipation with ribbon-like stools are classic for IBS, especially given the relief of symptoms with defecation and the absence of weight loss.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Functional Constipation: Similar to IBS, functional constipation can cause abdominal bloating and distention, and the presence of constipation with ribbon-like stools supports this diagnosis.
- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): SIBO can cause bloating, abdominal distention, and constipation, and the symptoms can be relieved by defecation.
- Do Not Miss
- Colorectal Cancer: Although less likely given the patient's stable weight, colorectal cancer can cause constipation and abdominal symptoms, and it is crucial to rule out this diagnosis, especially in a 56-year-old patient.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause similar symptoms, and it is essential to consider these diagnoses to avoid missing a potentially serious condition.
- Rare diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten can cause abdominal bloating, distention, and constipation, although this is less common than other diagnoses.
- Gastroparesis: Delayed gastric emptying can cause bloating and abdominal distention, but this is a less likely diagnosis given the patient's symptoms of constipation and relief with defecation.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A partial intestinal obstruction can cause abdominal distention and constipation, but this would typically be accompanied by more severe symptoms, such as vomiting and abdominal pain.