Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions

Q: Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions

Hello： The left upper abdomen corresponds to the location of the stomach or the colon, and it is possible to have gastritis or enteritis, both of which can cause discomfort. <br>If lactose intolerance is suspected, it is recommended to avoid drinking milk. <br>The timing and seve

There is something unusual in the left abdomen?

Hello doctor, three days before my period, I drank 保久乳 (a type of long-lasting milk) about two bottles a day, each bottle being 240ml.
During that time, I felt a dull pain on both sides of my lower abdomen, specifically at the junction of my thighs and torso, and slightly above that area, about three finger widths wide.
After my period started, the same area continued to hurt.
My bowel movements were normal, but I experienced some diarrhea on the first day, going three times, and then my bowel movements returned to normal.
After my period ended, I still felt pain in the same area on the first day, but it had lessened.
I stopped drinking milk due to the stomach pain after my period started, but on the second day after my period ended, the pain shifted to the upper left side, around the bottom of my left rib cage, possibly near my stomach.
Around midnight, I felt an empty sensation in my stomach.
When lying on my left side, I felt a slight discomfort, but it wasn't very painful; it was a minor pain that went away when I switched to lying on my right side.
Over the next two days, I felt an empty sensation in my stomach before meals, and after eating, I experienced a feeling of fullness and slight bloating.
Sometimes, when I took deep breaths, I felt a bit of pressure in the area between my left upper abdomen and rib cage, which felt different from before.
After eating, I also felt an immediate urge to have a bowel movement, and when I did, I experienced some discomfort in my left lower abdomen, but it went away afterward.

Could the empty feeling at midnight be because I didn't eat enough for dinner? However, I didn't have this issue before; it started this time.
Should I see a doctor for the left-sided discomfort and the empty feeling at night? Additionally, am I not suited for milk? This strange feeling has persisted for almost two weeks after drinking milk, but I used to experience stomach pain and diarrhea from milk before, though not as prolonged as this time.
Is it common for these symptoms to last for many days? Please help me with these questions, thank you.

tiwenren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/11

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: The left upper abdomen corresponds to the location of the stomach or the colon, and it is possible to have gastritis or enteritis, both of which can cause discomfort.
If lactose intolerance is suspected, it is recommended to avoid drinking milk.
The timing and severity of symptoms may vary each time.
Additionally, it is important to check for any accompanying gastroenteritis.
A light diet is advisable, avoiding high-fat and high-protein foods.
If there is no improvement, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2022/06/11

More Info

Abdominal discomfort can be a complex issue, especially when it presents with various symptoms that may seem unrelated. Based on your description, it appears that you are experiencing a range of symptoms, including lower abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and discomfort in the upper left abdomen. Let's break down the possible causes and solutions for your situation.

Possible Causes
1. Menstrual Cycle-Related Discomfort: The timing of your symptoms with your menstrual cycle suggests that hormonal changes could be contributing to your abdominal pain. Many women experience cramping and discomfort in the days leading up to and during their periods due to uterine contractions and hormonal fluctuations.

2. Gastrointestinal Issues: The symptoms of diarrhea and the sensation of an empty stomach could indicate a gastrointestinal disturbance. This may include conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can cause abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and discomfort after eating. The fact that you experienced diarrhea on the first day of your period may also suggest that hormonal changes can affect gut motility.

3. Lactose Intolerance: Given your history of abdominal pain and diarrhea after consuming milk, it is possible that you may have lactose intolerance. This condition occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms can include bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consuming dairy.

4. Referred Pain: The discomfort you feel in the upper left abdomen could be referred pain from other areas, such as the stomach or even the pancreas. If you have been experiencing changes in your appetite or digestion, it may be worthwhile to consider potential gastrointestinal issues.

Recommendations
1. Dietary Modifications: Since you suspect that milk may be contributing to your symptoms, consider eliminating dairy products from your diet for a period to see if your symptoms improve. If you notice a significant reduction in discomfort, it may indicate lactose intolerance or a sensitivity to dairy.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any dietary or lifestyle factors that may correlate. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in diagnosing the issue.

3. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are staying hydrated, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea. Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber can help regulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive health.

4. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the persistence of your symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend tests such as blood work, stool tests, or imaging studies to rule out any underlying conditions. A gastroenterologist may be particularly helpful if gastrointestinal issues are suspected.

5. Consider Hormonal Evaluation: If menstrual-related symptoms persist, discussing hormonal evaluations with your gynecologist may provide insights into whether hormonal imbalances are contributing to your discomfort.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms could be attributed to a combination of menstrual cycle-related discomfort, gastrointestinal issues, and possibly lactose intolerance. Monitoring your symptoms and making dietary adjustments may provide relief, but it is essential to seek medical advice for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can identify the underlying causes of your discomfort and develop a tailored treatment plan to improve your quality of life.

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