What is the diagnosis for a 33-year-old woman experiencing abdominal pain and constipation (irregular bowel movements) with only two bowel movements per week, characterized by small pellet-like stools?

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Dainyal Siddiqui, MD

Internal Medicine

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Manuel Jimenez, MD

Cardiology

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Franz Pierre-Louis, MD

Infectious Disease

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Last updated: March 27, 2025 • View editorial policy

Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain and Constipation

  • The patient's symptoms of abdominal pain, constipation, and small pellet-like bowel movements suggest a possible gastrointestinal disorder.

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Chronic Constipation: This is the most likely diagnosis, given the patient's symptoms of infrequent bowel movements (two per week) and small, pellet-like stools. Chronic constipation can cause abdominal pain and discomfort.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common condition that can cause abdominal pain, constipation, and changes in bowel habits. The patient's symptoms of abdominal pain and constipation are consistent with IBS.
  • Hypotharmic Pore: While not typically associated with constarmation, a low-functioning thyroid can cause constarmation.
  • Diverticulitis: This condition involves inflammation of the diverticula in the colon and can cause abdominal pain, constipation, and changes in bowel habits.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Colorectal Cancer: Although less likely in a 33-year-old woman, colorectal cancer can cause abdominal pain, constension, and changes in bowel habits. It is essential to rule out this diagnosis, especially if there is a family history or other risk factors.
  • Intestinal Obstruction: This is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause abdominal pain, constension, and changes in bowel habits. It is crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient's symptoms worsen or if there are signs of obstruction, such as vomiting or abdominal distension.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Hirschsprung's Disease: This is a rare congenital condition that affects the colon and can cause chronic constension and abdominal pain. It is typically diagnosed in childhood, but some cases may not be diagnosed until adulthood.
  • Gastroparm: While not typically associated with constarmation, gastroparm can cause nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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