Lower Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: Which Specialist to Consult?

Q: Lower Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: Which Specialist to Consult?

Hello Ms. <br>Zhao： You reported that a few days ago, you woke up in the morning due to discomfort in your lower abdomen. <br>It wasn't very painful, just an uncomfortable sensation. <br>This was also accompanied by mild diarrhea. <br>The next morning, shortly after eating, the p

Lower abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea?

A few days ago, I woke up in the morning due to discomfort in my lower abdomen.
It wasn't very painful, just an uncomfortable sensation.
It was also accompanied by mild diarrhea.
The next morning, shortly after eating, the pain started again, followed by mild diarrhea.
After two or three days, it improved somewhat, but I still experience a dull pain in my abdomen.
I feel the urge to have diarrhea, but I don't actually have it.
I had a gastroscopy two years ago, which showed no significant issues.
I would like to know which department I should consult for this situation, gastroenterology or gynecology?

Miss Zhao, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/11

Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello Ms.
Zhao: You reported that a few days ago, you woke up in the morning due to discomfort in your lower abdomen.
It wasn't very painful, just an uncomfortable sensation.
This was also accompanied by mild diarrhea.
The next morning, shortly after eating, the pain started again, followed by mild diarrhea.
After two or three days, it improved somewhat, but you still experience a dull pain in your abdomen.
You feel the urge to have a bowel movement but are not actually having diarrhea.
The discomfort is located in the lower abdomen, affecting not only the intestines but also the uterus, ovaries, and associated structures.
Considering your symptoms of diarrhea, it is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist for evaluation.
Thank you for your inquiry!

Reply Date: 2021/05/11

More Info

When experiencing lower abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea, it's essential to consider the potential causes and the appropriate specialist to consult. Given your symptoms, which include discomfort in the lower abdomen and intermittent diarrhea, the most logical first step would be to consult a gastroenterologist. This specialist focuses on the digestive system, which includes the stomach, intestines, and related organs.

Lower abdominal pain can arise from various gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infections, or even food intolerances. Since you mentioned that you had a colonoscopy two years ago with no significant findings, it’s possible that your current symptoms could be related to functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, which can cause symptoms of pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea.

However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience additional symptoms such as fever, significant weight loss, or blood in your stool, it would be prudent to return to your gastroenterologist for further evaluation. They may recommend additional tests, such as stool studies, imaging studies, or even repeat endoscopy, to rule out any underlying conditions that may not have been evident during your previous examination.

While your symptoms primarily suggest a gastrointestinal issue, it’s also important to consider the possibility of gynecological problems, especially in women. Conditions such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease can also present with lower abdominal pain. If your gastroenterologist rules out gastrointestinal causes, they may refer you to a gynecologist for further evaluation.

In terms of managing your symptoms in the meantime, consider keeping a food diary to identify any potential triggers that may exacerbate your symptoms. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea. Over-the-counter medications may help alleviate mild symptoms, but it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

In summary, for your current symptoms of lower abdominal pain and diarrhea, starting with a gastroenterologist is the most appropriate course of action. They can provide a thorough evaluation and guide you through the necessary diagnostic steps to determine the underlying cause of your discomfort. If needed, they can refer you to a gynecologist or other specialists based on their findings. Remember, it’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and any changes you experience, as this will help them provide the best care possible.

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