Question

A 35-year-old Asian man presents with diarrhea; the diarrhea has worsened over the past year since getting married and changing his diet. It is associated with abdominal discomfort and the feeling of a lot of gas in his stomach. On examination, his abdomen is distended; there is a tympanic note on percussion. There is no area of tenderness. The hydrogen breath test reveals elevated hydrogen in his expired air.

What is the most likely diagnosis?

1 Celiac disease
2 Whipple's disease
3 Short bowel syndrome
4 Tropical sprue
5 Lactose intolerance

Answer 1

The most likely diagnosis for the patient is lactose intolerance, characterized by the inability to digest lactose leading to gas and diarrhea.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely diagnosis for the 35-year-old Asian man presenting with diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and gas in his stomach is Lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance occurs when the lactose in chyme is not digested, leading to fermentation by bacteria in the large intestine and the production of gas. This condition can cause symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, and diarrhea, which can worsen after changes in diet or marriage.