Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain, Bloating, and Constipation in a Young Female with Anxiety
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This condition is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements, which can be exacerbated by anxiety. The symptoms described are classic for IBS, and its prevalence is high among young females, especially those with anxiety.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Functional Constipation: This condition involves difficulty in passing stools or infrequent bowel movements without an underlying mechanical obstruction. Anxiety can contribute to or worsen constipation.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can present with abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. While less common than IBS, they are important to consider due to their significant impact on quality of life.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Although primarily known for causing heartburn, GERD can also lead to abdominal pain and bloating.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ovarian Torsion: A rare but emergency condition where the ovary twists, cutting off its blood supply. It presents with severe abdominal pain and can be associated with nausea and vomiting.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix that can cause severe abdominal pain, often starting around the navel and then moving to the lower right abdomen. It's a surgical emergency.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, often causing severe abdominal pain and bleeding. It's a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
- Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, leading to nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain.
- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): A condition where bacteria overgrow in the small intestine, leading to bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.
- Porphyrias: A group of rare disorders that can cause abdominal pain, among other symptoms, due to defects in heme production.