Digestive Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation

Q: Digestive Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation

Hello： We believe that due to this issue, your physician has already arranged for a preliminary examination (no anemia, abdominal X-ray, ultrasound, and blood and urine tests are all normal). <br>If there are still concerns, you may return for a follow-up visit, where the clinici

Abdominal discomfort?

Hello Doctor, for more than a week now, I've been experiencing diarrhea every morning.
Interestingly, there is usually a portion of normal bowel movement before the diarrhea occurs.
I often feel bloated and pass gas frequently, and I can often hear my intestines moving.
The color of my stool is normal, but I've lost about 0.7 kilograms in the past two weeks.
I do not have anemia, and abdominal X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood and urine tests have all come back normal, but I occasionally experience pain in my lower abdomen on both sides.
I've had digestive issues since childhood, but I've never experienced discomfort for such an extended period.
Should I consider getting further tests?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/01

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: We believe that due to this issue, your physician has already arranged for a preliminary examination (no anemia, abdominal X-ray, ultrasound, and blood and urine tests are all normal).
If there are still concerns, you may return for a follow-up visit, where the clinician will determine the necessary treatment or further tests.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2016/05/01

More Info

Digestive discomfort can be a frustrating and concerning experience, especially when symptoms persist or worsen over time. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of diarrhea, gas, abdominal sounds, and occasional lower abdominal pain. While your recent tests, including X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood and urine tests, have returned normal results, the persistence of your symptoms warrants further evaluation.

Firstly, the presence of diarrhea, especially when it alternates with normal bowel movements, can indicate several potential issues. These may include infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic), food intolerances (such as lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity), inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), or functional gastrointestinal disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome, IBS). The fact that you have experienced these symptoms for over a week, along with weight loss, suggests that it may be time to seek further medical evaluation.

The weight loss of 0.7 kilograms over two weeks, while not drastic, can be significant, especially if it is unintentional. Weight loss in conjunction with gastrointestinal symptoms can sometimes indicate an underlying condition that requires attention. Additionally, the occasional lower abdominal pain you mentioned could be a sign of an underlying issue that may not have been fully evaluated in your previous tests.

Given your history of digestive issues, it would be prudent to consult with a gastroenterologist. They may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, which can provide a direct view of the colon and help identify any abnormalities. Other tests, such as stool studies, could also be beneficial to rule out infections or malabsorption issues.

Moreover, it is essential to consider dietary factors that may contribute to your symptoms. Keeping a food diary can help identify any potential triggers related to your diet. You may also want to discuss the possibility of food intolerances or allergies with your doctor, as these can often lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

In summary, while your initial tests have not indicated any serious issues, the persistence of your symptoms, combined with weight loss and abdominal pain, suggests that further evaluation is warranted. Seeking a consultation with a gastroenterologist would be a wise next step. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and guide you toward appropriate management strategies, which may include dietary modifications, medications, or further testing to ensure your digestive health is adequately addressed. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health, especially with ongoing symptoms.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Digestive Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation

Hello, Dr. Tsai. Over the past two to three months, I have frequently experienced not just a general feeling of fullness after eating, but also unusual discomfort symptoms that are different from before. The main issue is an abnormal increase in peristalsis and belching. Occasion...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Please pay attention to whether you have consumed irritating foods that may cause rapid gastrointestinal motility, or if you are experiencing tension and anxiety. If dietary changes do not improve the situation, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for appropr...

Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello, for the past few months, I have been experiencing discomfort in my gastrointestinal tract, with frequent lower abdominal pain and bloating. My appetite has decreased, and I have been vomiting after eating. Additionally, I have noticed blood in my stool. I would like to kno...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist, as a physician's interview and physical examination are necessary to determine what tests should be arranged. It is advised to consume more fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated, avoid irritating foods, and have daily ...

Understanding Digestive Discomfort: When to Seek Further Evaluation

It seems that I tend to feel the urge to use the restroom after eating. Previously, I would go 3 to 4 times a day, and my stools were a speckled coffee color, but not to the point of diarrhea. Last Monday, I visited a gastroenterologist who prescribed medication for enteritis, bu...

Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, I am not sure how long you have been experiencing your symptoms. If it has been several months or even years without accompanying weight loss, fever, anemia, or positive fecal occult blood test, and if the symptoms are not worsening, especially considering your young age, ...

Understanding Digestive Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Advice

Dear Dr. Chen, I often feel a sharp pain around my stomach area, and a few days ago I had diarrhea, which I thought was caused by drinking spoiled soy milk. However, after a few days, I started experiencing belching and diarrhea again, but there was no blood in the stool. During...

Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, your symptoms seem more like gastroenteritis. If it is an acute inflammation, usually, gastrointestinal medications are taken for a while to observe the response. If there is no improvement and the pain persists, then an endoscopy should be considered. As for ultrasound, i...