Abdominal Pain and Incomplete Bowel Movements

Abdominal pain with a feeling of urgency to defecate but difficulty in passing stool?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain (or stomach pain) for the past week.
My meals are normal with no issues, but about five minutes after eating, I feel gastrointestinal discomfort and have the urge to have a bowel movement.
However, each time I only pass a small amount of stool, which has pinkish mucus mixed in.
Today, I passed pink mucus directly, and during the bowel movement, I also felt nauseous and had the urge to vomit.
Should I undergo further testing for this? Thank you!

Amy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/07

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Based on your description, it seems more like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
The pink mucus is likely a secretion from the intestines.
It is recommended to start with a light diet and maintain a good lifestyle routine.
Reducing the time spent on bowel movements may also decrease mucus secretion.
If the symptoms persist without improvement, you can consult a physician for medication.
If there is still no improvement or if you are very concerned, you may consider scheduling a colonoscopy.

Reply Date: 2016/11/07

More Info

Abdominal pain, especially when accompanied by changes in bowel habits, can be quite concerning and warrants a thorough evaluation. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of abdominal discomfort, incomplete bowel movements, and the presence of unusual mucus in your stool. These symptoms can be indicative of several underlying conditions, and it is essential to approach this systematically.

Firstly, the abdominal pain you are experiencing could be due to a variety of gastrointestinal issues. Common causes include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, infections, or even food intolerances. The fact that you feel an urge to have a bowel movement shortly after eating, yet only pass a small amount of stool, can suggest a functional gastrointestinal disorder like IBS, where the bowel is overly sensitive and reacts strongly to food intake.

The presence of pink mucus in your stool is particularly noteworthy. Mucus in the stool can be a normal finding, as the intestines produce mucus to help with the passage of stool. However, when it is accompanied by a change in color, especially pink, it can indicate irritation or inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. This could be due to conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or more serious conditions like infections or inflammatory bowel disease. The fact that you are also experiencing nausea and a feeling of wanting to vomit during bowel movements adds another layer of complexity to your symptoms.

Given these symptoms, it is crucial to seek further medical evaluation. Here are some steps you might consider:
1. Consult a Gastroenterologist: A specialist in gastrointestinal disorders can provide a more focused evaluation of your symptoms. They may recommend specific tests based on your history and physical examination.

2. Diagnostic Tests: Depending on your doctor's assessment, you may need to undergo several tests, including:
- Colonoscopy: This is a key diagnostic tool that allows direct visualization of the colon and rectum. It can help identify any inflammation, polyps, or other abnormalities.

- Stool Tests: These can check for infections, blood, or other abnormalities in your stool.

- Imaging Studies: An abdominal ultrasound or CT scan may be recommended to assess for any structural issues in the abdomen.

3. Dietary Assessment: Keeping a food diary can help identify any potential food triggers that may be contributing to your symptoms. Certain foods can exacerbate IBS or other gastrointestinal conditions.

4. Symptom Management: In the meantime, managing your symptoms with dietary changes, hydration, and possibly over-the-counter medications may provide some relief. However, it is essential to discuss any medications with your healthcare provider before starting them.

5. Mental Health Considerations: Since gastrointestinal symptoms can often be exacerbated by stress and anxiety, consider discussing your mental health with your doctor. They may recommend counseling or stress management techniques.

In summary, your symptoms of abdominal pain, incomplete bowel movements, and the presence of pink mucus in your stool are significant and should not be ignored. It is advisable to seek a thorough evaluation from a healthcare professional who can guide you through the necessary diagnostic steps and treatment options. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and help alleviate your discomfort.

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