Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Bowel Sounds: Causes and Solutions

Q: Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Bowel Sounds: Causes and Solutions

Hello： Left lower abdominal pain and bowel sounds are generally related to dietary choices or gastrointestinal dysfunction. <br>Since the colonoscopy showed no abnormalities, it is advisable to pay attention to the types of food consumed, as this may help alleviate the symptoms.

Sharp pain in the lower left abdomen, accompanied by bowel sounds?

Hello, recently I have been experiencing sharp and aching pain in my lower left abdomen, feeling like needles stabbing and knives cutting, occurring intermittently along with bowel sounds and a sensation of movement in my intestines.
My bowel habits have changed from once a day to 2-3 times a day since the onset of the sharp pain and bowel sounds, and I feel like I cannot completely empty my bowels.
My diet typically includes soy milk and fruits, but after stopping the consumption of fruits like oranges and bananas, the issue of frequent bowel movements has lessened.
However, whenever I consume fruits or fruit juices again, the sharp pain in my lower left abdomen returns, along with multiple bowel movements.
A few years ago, I underwent a colonoscopy, which showed no issues.
I also have gastroesophageal reflux disease and take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
I wonder if the bowel sounds could be due to indigestion.
When I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, they mentioned that my intestines are cold, and I do indeed have symptoms of coldness, such as being sensitive to cold, having cold extremities, and experiencing coldness in the groin area.
After taking traditional Chinese medicine, specifically Gegen Qinlian Decoction, I experienced diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1) Is the sharp and aching pain in my lower left abdomen related to indigestion and gas? 2) During diarrhea, I noticed jelly-like residue on the toilet paper; could this be due to my body being cold? Thank you for your guidance.

Happy, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/10

Dr. Xie Rongyuan reply Internal Medicine

Hello: Left lower abdominal pain and bowel sounds are generally related to dietary choices or gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Since the colonoscopy showed no abnormalities, it is advisable to pay attention to the types of food consumed, as this may help alleviate the symptoms.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2020/12/10

More Info

Left lower abdominal pain can be a complex issue with various potential causes, especially when accompanied by bowel sounds and changes in bowel habits. Based on your description, it seems that your symptoms may be related to digestive issues, possibly exacerbated by dietary choices and underlying gastrointestinal conditions.

1. Understanding the Pain: The sharp, stabbing pain you describe in the left lower abdomen, along with the sensation of bowel sounds, suggests that there may be some irritation or dysfunction in the intestines. Given your history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), it is possible that your digestive system is experiencing some form of dysregulation. PPIs can alter the natural acidity of the stomach, which may affect digestion and lead to symptoms like bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits.

2. Bowel Movements and Dietary Impact: The increase in bowel movements from once daily to 2-3 times after experiencing pain and bowel sounds indicates a change in your gastrointestinal motility. The fact that your symptoms improve when you avoid certain fruits suggests that you may have a sensitivity to specific dietary components, such as fructose or fiber, which can lead to increased gas production and discomfort. Fruits like oranges and bananas are high in sugars and fiber, which can sometimes cause bloating and diarrhea in sensitive individuals.

3. Possible Causes of Symptoms:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Given your symptoms of abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and the presence of gas, IBS could be a potential diagnosis. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits without any identifiable structural abnormalities.

- Food Intolerances: You may have a food intolerance, particularly to certain fruits or sugars, which could lead to your symptoms. Keeping a food diary may help identify specific triggers.

- Gastrointestinal Infections: If you have experienced any recent changes in diet or travel, a gastrointestinal infection could also be a possibility, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.

4. Regarding the Jelly-like Residue: The presence of jelly-like remnants on toilet paper during diarrhea could indicate mucus in the stool, which can occur in conditions like IBS or infections. It is not uncommon for individuals with digestive issues to experience mucus production, especially during episodes of diarrhea.

5. Cold Sensitivity and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Your mention of feeling cold and the TCM diagnosis of "cold in the intestines" suggests that your symptoms may also have a component related to your body's overall balance and temperature regulation. In TCM, coldness can lead to digestive issues, and warming foods may be recommended to help alleviate symptoms.

Recommendations:
- Dietary Adjustments: Consider keeping a food diary to track your symptoms in relation to your diet. Gradually reintroduce fruits to see if you can identify specific triggers. You might also want to focus on a balanced diet rich in soluble fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements.

- Hydration: Ensure you are well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate digestive issues.

- Consultation with a Gastroenterologist: Since you have a history of gastrointestinal issues and have undergone a colonoscopy previously, it may be beneficial to consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. They may recommend additional tests, such as a hydrogen breath test for food intolerances or further imaging studies.

- Consider Probiotics: Probiotics may help restore the balance of gut flora and improve digestive health, potentially alleviating some of your symptoms.

- Follow-up with TCM: If you are open to it, continuing to work with a TCM practitioner may provide additional insights and treatments that align with your symptoms of coldness and digestive discomfort.

In summary, your left lower abdominal pain and associated symptoms could be linked to digestive issues, dietary factors, and possibly underlying conditions like IBS. A comprehensive approach involving dietary management, medical evaluation, and possibly alternative therapies may help you find relief.

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