Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns

Q: Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns

Hello： 1. <br>The left and right colon are not completely symmetrical, so they will not be exactly the same on both sides. <br>2. <br>If menstrual symptoms are more severe, it may be necessary to consider gynecological issues such as endometriomas. <br>Additionally, it could simp

Prolonged bloating in the lower right abdomen?

Hello Doctor,
I apologize for interrupting you during your busy schedule! Around May and June of this year, I suddenly noticed that lightly tapping my right lower abdomen (the area next to the navel down to the lower abdomen) produces a sound of gas or bloating.
Sometimes it is more pronounced, and other times it is milder, but generally, there is a noticeable sound on the right side, which is more prominent than on the left.
Since I usually do not feel particularly uncomfortable, I am not sure if this condition has existed for a longer time, but it has persisted since I first noticed it in June.

In June of this year, I visited a gastroenterology clinic where the doctor performed an abdominal ultrasound.
He mentioned that while there was some bloating, there were no other significant abnormalities.
I also visited an obstetrics and gynecology clinic, where another abdominal ultrasound was performed, and the doctor stated that my uterus and ovaries appeared normal.
I had a CA125 blood test, and the results were within the normal range.
Both clinics prescribed medications for bloating or probiotics, but after taking them, the tapping sound in my abdomen remains unchanged, with no significant improvement.
Here are some additional details about my health status:
1.
Around July of last year, I underwent a colonoscopy and gastroscopy at a local hospital.
The doctor said everything was generally normal, with only mild gastroesophageal reflux, but I do not experience any particular discomfort in my daily life.
2.
I usually feel the urge to have a bowel movement shortly after breakfast in the morning, but the stool is generally soft and not well-formed.
On weekdays, the urge to defecate is noticeably stronger than on weekends, which may indicate some irritable bowel syndrome.
In the past two weeks, I have experienced two episodes of more severe diarrhea (without significant abdominal pain, just watery stools, somewhat similar to the effects of taking a laxative), but these symptoms typically last only about a day before returning to the previously described pattern.
3.
Since June, my appetite and bowel habits have not changed significantly, and my weight is normal (I am 160 cm tall and weigh 47 kg).
Recently, I have felt that my appetite has improved.
However, I do experience more severe menstrual cramps, and the bloating and pain in my right lower abdomen become more pronounced during my period.
I wonder if the bloating might be related to gynecological symptoms.
Based on the above, I have a few questions I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
Is it normal for the bloating sound to be particularly pronounced on one side (the right)?
2.
Would you recommend any further detailed examinations for this condition? (Such as repeating the colonoscopy or undergoing other tests in different specialties, etc.)
3.
If the bloating sound persists but no significant abnormalities are found and I do not feel particularly uncomfortable, can I disregard the symptom of the bloating sound when tapping on the right side of my abdomen?
I apologize for the lengthy description, and if it is convenient for you, I would greatly appreciate your insights.
Thank you very much!

Miss Huang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/09/27

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: 1.
The left and right colon are not completely symmetrical, so they will not be exactly the same on both sides.
2.
If menstrual symptoms are more severe, it may be necessary to consider gynecological issues such as endometriomas.
Additionally, it could simply be irritable bowel syndrome or constipation, or issues related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction rather than an organ-specific problem.
It is also important to check for any hernia issues.
You may want to return for follow-up visits to discuss with your physician.
3.
If the examinations do not reveal any significant issues, there is no need to worry too much.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-Shun.

Reply Date: 2023/09/27

More Info

Understanding persistent right lower abdominal bloating can be quite complex, especially when there are no accompanying symptoms of pain or discomfort. Based on your description, it seems that you have undergone various examinations, including abdominal ultrasounds and endoscopies, which have not revealed any significant abnormalities. However, the persistent bloating and the audible sounds when tapping your right lower abdomen raise some questions that merit further exploration.

1. Is it normal for only one side (right) to have a more pronounced bloating sound?
It is not uncommon for individuals to experience asymmetrical bloating or sounds in the abdomen. This can be due to several factors, including the distribution of gas within the intestines, variations in bowel motility, or even anatomical differences. The right side of the abdomen houses various organs, including the cecum and appendix, which can sometimes contribute to localized sounds due to gas accumulation. However, if this is a new symptom and has persisted, it may warrant further investigation to rule out any underlying conditions.

2. Should you consider further detailed examinations?
Given that you have already undergone a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy with normal results, it may not be immediately necessary to repeat these tests unless new symptoms arise or your current symptoms worsen. However, if the bloating continues to be a concern, you might consider discussing with your healthcare provider the possibility of additional tests such as a CT scan of the abdomen or specific gastrointestinal motility studies. These tests can provide a more comprehensive view of the gastrointestinal tract and help identify any functional issues that may not be visible through standard imaging.

3. Can you ignore the persistent bloating sound if no significant abnormalities are found?
If the bloating sound is not accompanied by pain, significant changes in bowel habits, or other concerning symptoms, it may be reasonable to monitor the situation without immediate intervention. However, it is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. Keeping a symptom diary, noting any changes in your diet, stress levels, or physical activity, can help identify potential triggers for your bloating. Additionally, since you mentioned experiencing more pronounced symptoms during your menstrual cycle, it could be beneficial to explore any connections between hormonal changes and gastrointestinal symptoms.

In summary, while localized bloating sounds can be benign, it is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive about your health. If you notice any new symptoms or if the current symptoms become bothersome, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice. It is also worth considering lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes or stress management techniques, which can sometimes alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your health regimen.

Similar Q&A

Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions

In early May, I started experiencing bloating in the lower right abdomen, which persisted throughout the day and was quite uncomfortable. One evening, after eating fried food at 6 PM, I began to hear gurgling sounds in my stomach that lasted until 11 PM. Since then, I have experi...

Dr. Hu Guozheng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is recommended to visit the gastroenterology and hepatology outpatient clinic for evaluation. Thank you.

Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Bloating: Possible Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor: I am a 25-year-old female. Recently, I have been experiencing a feeling of bloating in my lower right abdomen, specifically about three fingerbreadths above the right groin area. When I press on this area, I can feel something that I am unsure about. Could it be pre...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Right lower abdominal distension and pain, with palpation revealing a mass. Differential diagnoses include gastrointestinal, gynecological, and urinary tract issues. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek outpatient evaluation for a clearer diagnosis. Wishing you good healt...

Causes of Right Side Abdominal Bloating: Beyond Ultrasound Findings

If you are experiencing bloating on the right side of your abdomen and an ultrasound did not reveal any issues, there are several potential causes to consider. These may include: 1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common gastrointestinal disorder that can cause bloating an...

Dr. Zhang Siyuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Abdominal bloating is just a symptom, and as you inquired, it can have many causes, some of which are benign and not life-threatening if diagnosed late, while others can be life-threatening if recognized too late and should not be taken lightly. Common causes include the f...

Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent pain in my lower right abdomen recently, and I feel bloated even after eating a small amount. About a month ago, I sought medical attention for this issue, and at that time, I was diagnosed with a right ovarian cyst (5.5 x 2.5 x 0.5...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the X-ray report indicates that there is a significant amount of intestinal gas, with some parts of the intestines appearing distended and the presence of fecal impaction. Additionally, there are some calcifications noted in the pelvic cavity, which may be due to vascular ...