Gastrointestinal Symptoms: What Your Body Might Be Telling You - Internal Medicine

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Gastrointestinal issues


Hello, doctor.
Yesterday for dinner, I had two sausages and a bowl of rice.
About three hours after eating, I felt nauseous.
After drinking some water, I started to feel better.
Then around 5 AM, I felt pain in my intestines or possibly my stomach (on the left side).
The pain lasted for about 20 seconds.
After that, I got up and my stomach was making gurgling noises, and I felt the urge to have a bowel movement.
I don't think it's appendicitis since my bowel movement was quite smooth.
What could these symptoms indicate? Could it be due to undigested fats?

Wu Haoxuan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/12

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine


Hello, based on your symptoms, it is more likely that you have acute gastroenteritis.
Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, usually caused by consuming expired or spoiled food.
It is recommended to drink plenty of water and rest for a few days to recover.
Eating excessive fatty foods can indeed cause similar symptoms, but this would depend on whether you have experienced this issue long-term.
If it has only occurred once, it is unlikely to be acute.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2017/02/12

More Info


Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of gastrointestinal symptoms that could be attributed to several factors. The symptoms you mentioned, such as nausea after eating, abdominal pain, and the gurgling sounds in your stomach, suggest that your digestive system may be reacting to the food you consumed, particularly the sausage, which is high in fat and can be difficult for some individuals to digest.

When you eat a meal that is rich in fat, like sausages, your body requires bile from the gallbladder to help emulsify and break down the fats for absorption. If your body is not producing enough bile or if there is a delay in the digestive process, you may experience discomfort, nausea, or even cramping. The pain you felt on the left side could be related to the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, where food is mixed with digestive juices.

The gurgling sounds you mentioned, known as borborygmi, are often a normal part of digestion, indicating that your intestines are moving and processing food. However, if these sounds are accompanied by pain or discomfort, it could suggest that your intestines are reacting to something in your diet, possibly due to gas buildup or irritation.

Given that you experienced relief after drinking water, it is possible that hydration helped to ease the discomfort and facilitate digestion. Water can help dilute stomach acid and assist in moving food through the gastrointestinal tract, which may explain why you felt better afterward.

Your symptoms do not strongly indicate appendicitis, especially since you mentioned that your bowel movements are normal and you do not have significant pain in the lower right abdomen, which is typically associated with appendicitis. However, if the pain persists or worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or significant changes in your bowel habits, it would be prudent to seek medical attention.

In terms of dietary considerations, if you find that fatty foods consistently lead to discomfort, it may be beneficial to reduce your intake of high-fat foods and focus on a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help your digestive system manage food intake more effectively.

If your symptoms continue or if you have concerns about your digestive health, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend tests such as an ultrasound or endoscopy to rule out any underlying conditions, such as gallbladder issues, gastritis, or other gastrointestinal disorders.

In summary, your symptoms may be related to the consumption of fatty foods and how your body is processing them. Keeping a food diary to track what you eat and any subsequent symptoms can be helpful in identifying triggers. Additionally, maintaining hydration and considering dietary adjustments may improve your overall digestive health. If symptoms persist, do not hesitate to seek medical advice for a thorough evaluation.

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