Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Your Abdominal Pain

Q: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Your Abdominal Pain

Hello： Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by periodic and recurrent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and relief after bowel movements. <br>If there are only acute symptoms, further observation may be necessary. <br>If you have any concerns, you should consult

Is it irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

I have been experiencing abdominal pain for about five days, located just below the navel (around the area of the uterus).
Sometimes the pain is on the left side, sometimes on the right, but usually it is on the left in the morning and on the right in the evening.
Since the onset of the abdominal pain, my bowel habits have changed from having a bowel movement every two days to once a day.
The stools I passed yesterday and today have been somewhat loose and contain a bit of mucus.
Could this be irritable bowel syndrome?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/09

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by periodic and recurrent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and relief after bowel movements.
If there are only acute symptoms, further observation may be necessary.
If you have any concerns, you should consult a gastroenterologist.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-Shun.

Reply Date: 2017/07/09

More Info

Based on your description of abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, it is possible that you may be experiencing symptoms consistent with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a combination of abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, which can include diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both.
Your symptoms of pain localized around the navel area, which shifts from the left side in the morning to the right side in the evening, along with changes in your bowel movements, such as the frequency and consistency of your stools, are noteworthy. The presence of mucus in your stool can also be associated with IBS, as it is not uncommon for individuals with this condition to notice changes in their stool characteristics.

IBS is often triggered by a variety of factors, including dietary choices, stress, hormonal changes, and gut microbiota imbalances. Since you mentioned that your bowel habits changed around the time your abdominal pain started, it could indicate a potential link between the two. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate IBS symptoms, and it’s important to consider your emotional well-being alongside your physical symptoms.

To better understand whether you have IBS or another gastrointestinal condition, it is essential to consider the following:
1. Symptom Pattern: IBS symptoms typically improve after a bowel movement. If you find that your pain lessens after you have a bowel movement, this could support an IBS diagnosis.

2. Exclusion of Other Conditions: It’s crucial to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, such as infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or gastrointestinal obstructions. Your healthcare provider may recommend further testing, such as blood tests, stool tests, or imaging studies, to exclude these conditions.

3. Dietary Factors: Keeping a food diary can help identify any dietary triggers that may be contributing to your symptoms. Common triggers for IBS include high-fat foods, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and certain carbohydrates known as FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols).

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular exercise, can be beneficial. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber can help regulate bowel movements.

5. Medical Consultation: Since your symptoms have persisted for several days and have changed your bowel habits, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a thorough evaluation and may suggest treatments such as dietary changes, medications to manage symptoms, or referrals to specialists if necessary.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may suggest IBS, a definitive diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare provider. It’s important to communicate openly with your doctor about your symptoms, their duration, and any other health concerns you may have. This will help in formulating an effective management plan tailored to your needs. Remember, you are not alone in this, and many people experience similar symptoms. Seeking help is a positive step towards finding relief and improving your quality of life.

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