Left Abdominal Cramping and Diarrhea with Mucus and Blood: What to Do?

Left abdominal cramping with diarrhea containing mucus and blood?

Hello Doctor, after dinner yesterday, I suddenly experienced cramping pain in my left abdomen (I usually feel some discomfort to the left of my navel).
I immediately went to the bathroom and had diarrhea, with my stool mixed with mucus and blood.
After that, the pain went away.
However, I have had similar episodes a few times over the past few years.
Although I don't frequently have diarrhea, whenever I do, it is mostly accompanied by mucus and blood.
What should I do, Doctor? Thank you.

W, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/22

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Based on your description, it seems more like irritable bowel syndrome combined with mild hemorrhoidal bleeding.
It is recommended to start with a light diet and maintain a good lifestyle routine.
Spicy, irritating, and greasy foods should be avoided.
Increasing dietary fiber intake can also be beneficial.
If symptoms persist without improvement, you may consult a physician for medication or to undergo a colonoscopy.

Reply Date: 2021/04/22

More Info

Experiencing left abdominal cramping accompanied by diarrhea that contains mucus and blood can be concerning and warrants careful evaluation. Given your symptoms, it’s crucial to understand the potential underlying causes and the appropriate steps to take for diagnosis and treatment.

Firstly, the presence of blood and mucus in your stool, along with abdominal cramping, can indicate several gastrointestinal issues. Common conditions that could lead to these symptoms include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), or even colorectal polyps or cancer. The intermittent nature of your symptoms over the years suggests a chronic condition, which further emphasizes the need for a thorough medical evaluation.

Here are the steps you should consider taking:
1. Consult a Gastroenterologist: Given the recurrent nature of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek a specialist's opinion. A gastroenterologist can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed medical history and physical examination.

2. Diagnostic Testing: You may need to undergo several tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. These could include:
- Stool Tests: To check for infections, blood, or other abnormalities.

- Colonoscopy: This procedure allows direct visualization of the colon and rectum and can help identify any inflammation, polyps, or other abnormalities. Biopsies can also be taken during this procedure for further analysis.

- Imaging Studies: Depending on your symptoms, imaging studies such as an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan may be recommended to assess the structures in your abdomen.

3. Symptomatic Treatment: While awaiting a diagnosis, managing your symptoms is important. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea. You may also consider dietary modifications, such as avoiding high-fiber foods and dairy products that can exacerbate diarrhea. A bland diet may help ease your symptoms.

4. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including their frequency, duration, and any potential triggers (such as specific foods). This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in determining the underlying cause.

5. Follow-Up Care: Depending on the findings from your evaluations, follow-up care may involve medication management, dietary changes, or possibly more invasive procedures if necessary. If a chronic condition like IBD is diagnosed, ongoing management will be essential to control symptoms and prevent complications.

6. Emergency Care: If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or if the blood in your stool increases, seek emergency medical care immediately.

In summary, while your symptoms may be indicative of a manageable condition, they should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications and improving your quality of life. Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms and begin the necessary evaluations.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Mucus and Blood in Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, last night after dinner, I suddenly experienced cramping pain in my left abdomen and had diarrhea. The stool contained mucus and blood streaks. I have had similar episodes before, although not very often, but whenever I have cramping pain and diarrhea, there has bee...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Please schedule a colonoscopy at the gastroenterology outpatient clinic as soon as possible.

Understanding Diarrhea with Mucus: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I started experiencing cramping abdominal pain right after meals. I felt a bit better after using the restroom, and this lasted for two days before returning to normal. However, on the fourth and fifth days, I began having unexplained diarrhea. Even...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The recent symptoms may be acute issues, whether due to infection or irregular dietary habits. They may not necessarily be related to the condition over the past three months. Please start with a light diet and pay attention to managing stress. If there is no improvement, ...

Is It IBS or a More Serious Gastrointestinal Issue?

Hello Dr. Tsai, I have always had digestive issues and often experience bloating. Recently, in the past month, I have had about three episodes of cramping pain in my lower left abdomen. Yesterday afternoon, the abdominal cramping became unbearable, but I felt the urge to use the...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: This symptom seems more like constipation. I can prescribe some stool softeners and probiotics for you. I also recommend increasing your fluid intake and consuming more fruits and vegetables to see if your symptoms improve. Regarding the presence of blood streaks, please m...

Understanding Green Diarrhea with Mucus and Blood: What to Do?

Hello Doctor: I am currently abroad and it's inconvenient for me to see a doctor, so I'm seeking advice online. Recently, I've been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort that has persisted for some time. Here’s the timeline of my symptoms: Three weeks ago, I sta...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Based on the symptoms, there is a high possibility of gastroenteritis; however, the presence of mucus and blood increases the likelihood of bacterial enteritis. If antibiotics have been taken without improvement, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.