Differential Diagnosis for Bloating in a 44-year-old Female

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is the most common diagnosis for bloating in women of this age group, characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, without an identifiable cause.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Functional Dyspepsia: A condition where the stomach does not function normally, leading to symptoms like bloating, discomfort, and early satiety, without any visible signs of disease.
• Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): An excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine, which can lead to bloating, gas, and changes in bowel movements.
• Lactose Intolerance or Other Food Intolerances: Difficulty digesting certain foods can lead to bloating, gas, and discomfort.
• Constipation: Infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools can cause bloating.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Ovarian Cancer: Although less common, ovarian cancer can present with bloating, abdominal discomfort, and changes in bowel habits. Early detection is crucial.
• Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Gastrointestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine that can cause severe bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation.

Rare Diagnoses

• Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, leading to bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
• Intestinal Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestines, which can cause severe abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
• Malabsorption Syndromes: Conditions that affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food, leading to bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss.
• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, leading to bloating, pelvic pain, and changes in bowel habits during menstruation.