Differential Diagnosis for Boating

• Single most likely diagnosis:
  • Overeating or eating too quickly, leading to swallowing air and gas buildup in the digestive system. This is a common cause of bloating and is often related to dietary habits.
• Other Likely diagnoses:
  • Lactose intolerance: The inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products, can lead to bloating, gas, and discomfort.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.
  • Food intolerances (e.g., gluten, fructose): Similar to lactose intolerance, other food intolerances can cause bloating and digestive discomfort.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses:
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause severe bloating, along with other symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Missing these diagnoses can lead to significant morbidity.
  • Ovarian cancer: Although rare, ovarian cancer can cause bloating, especially if it leads to ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen). Early detection is crucial for treatment outcomes.
  • Bowel obstruction: A blockage in the intestine can cause severe bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation. This is a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention.
• Rare diagnoses:
  • Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing bloating, diarrhea, and malabsorption.
  • Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, leading to bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): An excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine can cause bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.