Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Q: Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Hello： It seems that there may be a phenomenon of constipation. <br>It is important to ensure adequate hydration and to include fruits and vegetables in your diet. <br>There is no immediate need for any tests; however, if the situation does not improve, you may consider consultin

Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, doctor.
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
I have had issues with bowel function since childhood, often experiencing constipation with dark-colored stools.
However, it has been inconsistent, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
Recently, the situation has become quite severe, with my stools often being pellet-like, making it difficult to pass.
The time spent on the toilet has increased, and sometimes the stools are too large and hard, causing anal fissures.
The color is sometimes very dark, and the odor is noticeably unpleasant (almost every time).
In the past, it wasn't as bad, but now whenever I eat out or consume noodle products, my intestines feel very uncomfortable and painful.
The biggest issue is that for nearly a year now, I have been experiencing frequent abdominal pain, including cramping and dull pain (at least once every two days), affecting both the left and right lower abdomen.
Sometimes it feels okay, but other times it is very uncomfortable.
The frequency of passing gas has significantly increased, often exceeding twenty to thirty times a day, and I can distinctly feel gas moving in my intestines, accompanied by audible sounds.
Additionally, every time I do jumping jacks, I experience severe pain in the upper right abdomen.
My diet is normal, but I often stay up late due to schoolwork.
Could this be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome? Should I seek medical evaluation?

Ar, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/14

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: It seems that there may be a phenomenon of constipation.
It is important to ensure adequate hydration and to include fruits and vegetables in your diet.
There is no immediate need for any tests; however, if the situation does not improve, you may consider consulting a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2020/06/14

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about your gastrointestinal issues. Based on the symptoms you've described, it does sound like you may be experiencing a combination of functional gastrointestinal disorders, possibly including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and constipation. Let's break down your symptoms and discuss when it might be necessary to seek medical help.

Symptoms Overview
1. Constipation: You mentioned having hard, pellet-like stools that are difficult to pass. This is a common symptom of constipation, which can be exacerbated by dietary choices, dehydration, and lifestyle factors such as stress and irregular sleep patterns.

2. Abdominal Pain: The cramping and discomfort you experience in various areas of your abdomen, along with increased flatulence, can be indicative of IBS. IBS is characterized by a combination of abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, which can include constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between the two.

3. Bowel Movement Changes: The deep color and foul odor of your stools, along with the pain associated with bowel movements, may suggest that your diet is not providing enough fiber or that you may be experiencing malabsorption issues. Eating a lot of processed foods or meals high in fat can contribute to these symptoms.

4. Increased Flatulence: The excessive gas and audible sounds in your abdomen are often associated with IBS and can be triggered by certain foods, stress, and eating habits.

Dietary Considerations
Given your symptoms, it might be beneficial to evaluate your diet. Here are some suggestions:
- Increase Fiber Intake: Aim for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber can help soften stools and promote regular bowel movements.

- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can worsen constipation.

- Limit Trigger Foods: Since you mentioned discomfort after eating out or consuming noodle dishes, it may be helpful to keep a food diary to identify specific foods that trigger your symptoms. Common culprits include dairy, gluten, and high-fat or spicy foods.

- Regular Meals: Try to eat at regular intervals and avoid skipping meals, as this can help regulate your digestive system.

When to Seek Medical Help
While many gastrointestinal issues can be managed with lifestyle and dietary changes, there are certain situations where you should seek medical attention:
- Persistent Symptoms: If your symptoms persist despite dietary changes or worsen over time, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

- Severe Pain: If you experience severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by bowel movements or over-the-counter medications, this warrants further investigation.

- Blood in Stools: Any presence of blood in your stools or significant changes in your bowel habits should be evaluated by a doctor.

- Unexplained Weight Loss: If you notice significant weight loss without trying, this could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

- Changes in Appetite: A sudden change in appetite or feeling full after eating very little can also be a sign that something is wrong.

Conclusion
Based on your description, it does seem like you may be experiencing symptoms consistent with IBS and constipation. However, due to the complexity of gastrointestinal disorders and the potential for overlapping conditions, it is advisable to consult with a gastroenterologist. They can perform the necessary evaluations, which may include blood tests, stool tests, or imaging studies, to rule out any serious conditions and provide a tailored treatment plan.

In the meantime, focus on dietary adjustments, hydration, and stress management techniques, as these can significantly impact your gastrointestinal health. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking help is a positive step towards feeling better.

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