Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Left abdominal discomfort and bloating?

In May, my bowel movements were normal, large, and long.
Starting from June 10th, after eating seafood, I began to experience watery flatulence, and I felt a heaviness in my left abdomen.
This continued until the 15th, when my stools became loose (somewhat yellowish and brown).
I noticed that I only had bowel movements after meals.
In the past few days, my stools have been reddish, and I saw thin strands resembling noodles (not sure if it’s related to the noodles I ate the day before).
After having a bowel movement, I always feel like I haven't completely emptied my bowels, and my abdomen still feels bloated.

Pipi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/15

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery

Based on your description, there has been a recent change in bowel habits consistent with diarrhea symptoms.
Generally, during diarrhea, the intestines undergo repeated physical friction, which can lead to damage to the inner mucosa, potentially causing a sensation of abdominal bloating.
It is advisable that if diarrhea persists, you should first allow your intestines to rest.
For severe watery diarrhea, start with a clear liquid diet, such as electrolyte drinks or clear broth.
If symptoms are manageable or improve initially, transition to a soft, easily digestible diet, such as porridge or noodles.
Avoid hard-to-digest foods, fried items, irritants, coffee, and tea during this period.
If symptoms persist or if there is unusual pain, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Reply Date: 2016/06/15

More Info

Left abdominal discomfort can arise from a variety of causes, and understanding these can help in determining the appropriate course of action. Based on the symptoms you've described, including changes in bowel habits, gas, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation, several potential issues may be at play.

1. Gastrointestinal Issues: The symptoms you are experiencing could be related to gastrointestinal disturbances. The fact that you mentioned consuming seafood and subsequently experiencing gas and changes in stool consistency suggests a possible food intolerance or sensitivity. Seafood can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset, especially if it is not fresh or if you have a sensitivity to certain types. Additionally, the presence of mucus or strands in your stool could indicate irritation in the intestines, possibly due to a mild infection or inflammation.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Your symptoms could also align with IBS, a common disorder that affects the large intestine. IBS can cause symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. Stress and dietary changes often exacerbate IBS symptoms, so if you have been under stress or have changed your diet recently, this could be a contributing factor.

3. Infection or Inflammation: The presence of loose stools and a feeling of incomplete evacuation may also suggest an infection or inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Conditions like gastroenteritis, which can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, can lead to similar symptoms. If you have experienced any fever, nausea, or vomiting, it would be important to seek medical attention.

4. Dietary Factors: The foods you consume can significantly impact your digestive health. High-fat foods, certain carbohydrates, and dairy products can lead to bloating and gas, especially if your body has difficulty digesting them. Keeping a food diary to track what you eat and your symptoms may help identify any specific triggers.

5. Functional Disorders: Conditions such as functional dyspepsia can also cause discomfort in the abdomen, particularly after eating. This condition is characterized by chronic or recurrent pain in the upper abdomen without any identifiable cause.

Recommendations:
- Dietary Modifications: Consider keeping a food diary to track what you eat and how it affects your symptoms. Avoid known irritants such as spicy foods, high-fat meals, and dairy products if you suspect intolerance. Gradually reintroducing foods can help identify triggers.

- Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea. Dehydration can worsen symptoms and lead to further complications.

- Probiotics: Incorporating probiotics into your diet may help restore the balance of gut bacteria, which can be beneficial for digestive health.

- Medical Evaluation: Given the persistence of your symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend tests such as stool analysis, blood tests, or imaging studies to rule out infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders.

- Stress Management: If stress is a factor, consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular exercise into your routine.

In summary, left abdominal discomfort can stem from various gastrointestinal issues, dietary factors, or functional disorders. It is crucial to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical advice for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment plan. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

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