22nd July 2023

A 32-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 10-month history of intermittent generalised abdominal pain

A 32-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a 10-month history of intermittent generalised abdominal pain and distension occurring almost every day of the week. She reports constant fluctuation in her bowel habit – approximately 50% of her stools are firm and difficult to pass (opening her bowels approximately twice a week), and 50% are watery with associated high frequency of defecation (3 to 4 bowel motions daily). She has suffered from similar symptoms three times previously which settled without intervention. She is otherwise well, has no medical history and takes no medications, including laxatives or antidiarrheal agents. She is currently going through a divorce which she feels may be influencing her symptoms. She is unemployed, is a non-smoker and drinks a glass of wine 2 times a week.

Based on the clinical picture, what is the most likely diagnosis?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.