Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Solutions - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Gastrointestinal issues

Hello, Vice Dean Chen: I have been experiencing a dull, intermittent pain and a sharp sensation in my lower left abdomen.
The pain is mild and tolerable.
Additionally, when I press on my stomach, I feel a protrusion that resembles a lump, and pressing on it makes me feel nauseous.
This sensation occurs when I am sitting, not lying down.
The symptoms in my left abdomen have been present for about two to three months.
My job requires me to work late nights, and I have been drinking two to three cans of 500ml Heineken after work, then going straight to sleep.
Sometimes, I wake up shortly after falling asleep with a cough accompanied by acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
As a result, I often experience watery stools.
Occasionally, I wake up in the middle of the night with abdominal pain and need to rush to the bathroom.
I consulted a doctor earlier, who mentioned that my long-term alcohol consumption has killed the beneficial bacteria in my intestines, leading to these issues.
The doctor advised me to take probiotics, but there has been little improvement, and I still have watery stools.
In March or April, I experienced multiple episodes of diarrhea during work, which affected my performance.
I went to the pharmacy and got some anti-diarrheal medication, which did help initially, but in the following days, I became constipated and couldn't have a bowel movement at all.
Even drinking milk would immediately result in diarrhea, and my gastrointestinal system felt completely unresponsive.
Eventually, things returned to normal, but I noticed that my stools were black, and there was blood on the toilet paper after wiping.
My anus does not hurt or itch, and I do not have any discomfort associated with hemorrhoids, either internal or external.
After a period of time, the same symptoms recurred, but currently, I do not have them.
I have scheduled appointments for an endoscopy and colonoscopy, but due to the ongoing pandemic, these have been postponed twice.
I kindly ask for your guidance on this matter.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my concerns.
I appreciate it.

Mr. Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/03

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

It is recommended to abstain from or reduce alcohol consumption and to undergo examinations to determine the underlying cause.

Reply Date: 2021/06/03

More Info

Understanding gastrointestinal issues can be quite challenging, especially when symptoms are varied and persistent. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a range of gastrointestinal symptoms that may be interconnected. Let’s break down your symptoms and explore potential causes and solutions.

Symptoms Overview
1. Left Lower Abdominal Pain: The dull, stabbing pain you describe in the left lower abdomen could be related to several conditions, including diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or even issues related to the reproductive organs if you are female. Given that this pain has persisted for two to three months, it warrants further investigation.

2. Gastric Discomfort: The sensation of a "lump" or "bump" in your stomach, especially when pressed, along with feelings of nausea, could indicate gastritis or an ulcer. This is particularly concerning given your history of alcohol consumption, which can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate these conditions.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Your symptoms of acid reflux, especially after drinking alcohol and lying down, suggest that you may be experiencing GERD. Alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to discomfort and coughing.

4. Bowel Habits: The alternating patterns of diarrhea and constipation, along with the presence of black stools and blood on toilet paper, are particularly alarming. Black stools can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, while blood in the stool can suggest hemorrhoids or more serious conditions like diverticulosis or colorectal cancer.

Potential Causes
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Given your symptoms of alternating diarrhea and constipation, IBS is a strong possibility. Stress, dietary habits, and alcohol consumption can all exacerbate IBS symptoms.

- Alcohol-Related Gastritis: Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation of the stomach lining, causing pain and nausea. This could explain your gastric discomfort and the need for probiotics, which aim to restore gut flora disrupted by alcohol.

- Diverticulitis: This condition occurs when diverticula (small pouches) in the colon become inflamed or infected, leading to pain, changes in bowel habits, and sometimes bleeding.

- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): As mentioned, your symptoms of acid reflux are likely exacerbated by alcohol and late-night eating habits.

Recommendations
1. Dietary Changes: Reducing or eliminating alcohol is crucial. Alcohol can significantly impact gut health and exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, consider a diet low in irritants (spicy foods, caffeine, and high-fat foods) and high in fiber to help regulate bowel movements.

2. Probiotics: Continue taking probiotics as they can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, especially after alcohol consumption.

3. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea, to prevent dehydration.

4. Medical Evaluation: Since you have already scheduled an endoscopy and colonoscopy, it is essential to follow through with these tests. They will provide valuable insights into the state of your gastrointestinal tract and help rule out serious conditions.

5. Stress Management: Since your work involves late hours, consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular exercise, which can help alleviate IBS symptoms.

6. Follow-Up: If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek immediate medical attention. The presence of blood in your stool and black stools should not be taken lightly, and timely intervention is necessary.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be indicative of several gastrointestinal issues, lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and thorough medical evaluations will be key in managing your condition. It’s important to stay proactive about your health and communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any changes in your symptoms.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Next Steps

Hello Doctor: I have some gastrointestinal issues to discuss. The symptoms are as follows: 1. I have been experiencing constipation for a long time. 2. Recently, I often have abdominal pain (it feels like cramping associated with diarrhea). 3. I frequently pass gas, and it occurs...

Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your condition is related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is associated with lifestyle stress and dietary habits. It is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist for appropriate treatment.

Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Dietary Solutions

Hello Dr. Chen, I am currently a freshman studying architecture, and I have been troubled by gastrointestinal issues for a long time! Sometimes when I eat, I experience bloating, stomach pain, nausea, and irregular bowel movements; sometimes my stools are loose, while at other ti...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Gentle foods that are low in oil, low in dairy, and low in irritants. If symptoms do not improve, consult a gastroenterologist.

Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Solutions for Digestive Discomfort

Since September, I have been having bowel movements about three times a day, mostly around lunchtime and dinner. For nearly half a month, I have been experiencing significant gastrointestinal discomfort, excessive gas, and bubbling sounds in my abdomen. I quickly feel hungry and ...

Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Gastrointestinal dyspepsia can easily lead to gas production, causing bloating, frequent flatulence, or audible bowel sounds. As a result, bowel movements may decrease and become softer, occurring several times a day. Due to gastrointestinal dyspepsia, one may not be able ...

Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues and Bowel Health Concerns

Hello Doctor: I have many symptoms and I'm not sure where to start. First, regarding my gastrointestinal condition, for the past three to four months, I have been experiencing burping regardless of whether I eat or not. In the morning, after taking a couple of sips of wate...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. It is recommended to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy based on your gastrointestinal condition, as the symptoms may indicate gastritis or peptic ulcer disease. 2. Currently, parasitic infections are quite rare in the country; your situation may be due to p...