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Sun_10 Cangemi_ Bloating and Distension Cases

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The document discusses several cases of patients experiencing abdominal bloating and distension, along with diagnostic challenges and treatment considerations. It presents three distinct cases:<br /><br />**Case 1:** A 46-year-old female with daily abdominal bloating and distension following a trip to Mexico associated with "food poisoning." Her symptoms include early satiety, epigastric pain, and constipation. Various tests revealed no significant structural abnormalities. Consideration for pelvic floor dysfunction and functional dyspepsia are important, and anorectal manometry may help in diagnosis since failed balloon expulsion tests are common in similar cases. <br /><br />**Case 2:** A 28-year-old male with ongoing abdominal bloating for over a year, presenting symptoms exacerbated by stress rather than physical changes or dietary adjustments. Despite failed interventions including dietary changes and medication, his symptoms may fall under functional abdominal bloating/distension. Recommendations include additional diagnostic testing or consideration of neuromodulators or behavioral therapy as potential treatments.<br /><br />**Case 3:** A 34-year-old female concerned with daily abdominal distension worsening throughout the day, regardless of meal size or type. Tests ruled out organic causes, and her symptoms suggest abdomino-phrenic dyssynergia, influenced by diaphragm contraction and abdominal muscle relaxation. Biofeedback therapy targeting this dysfunction is proposed as beneficial.<br /><br />Each case highlights the complexity of diagnosing and managing abdominal bloating and distension, emphasizing differential diagnosis and treatment options like dietary adjustments, neuromodulation, pelvic floor therapies, and biofeedback, recognizing functional and psychological aspects. The overarching theme is the absence of an organic cause, suggesting a functional gastrointestinal disorder that could benefit from targeted, multidisciplinary management approaches.

Keywords

abdominal bloating

distension

diagnostic challenges

treatment considerations

functional dyspepsia

pelvic floor dysfunction

abdomino-phrenic dyssynergia

biofeedback therapy

functional gastrointestinal disorder

multidisciplinary management