Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Help

Acute abdominal pain and diarrhea?

Hello, doctor.
I started experiencing a dull pain in my entire abdomen on the night before last, and I woke up in the middle of the night unable to sleep.
Since it was Sunday, I couldn't seek medical attention, so I just rested in bed.
I felt hungry but thought it was better not to eat due to my gastrointestinal discomfort.
However, by the evening, I suddenly felt nauseous and wanted to vomit.
I experienced severe diarrhea as soon as I went to the bathroom, and my face turned pale, making me feel faint.
It took about two hours for me to gradually feel a bit better.
Today, I woke up feeling much improved, but the symptoms have changed to occasional sharp abdominal pains, especially after drinking water or eating.
Other symptoms have improved, but I'm unsure what this could be.
Given that my symptoms have improved, do you think I still need to seek medical attention? Thank you!

Xiao P, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/06/06

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, based on your description, it seems like you may have gastroenteritis.
If the symptoms are severe, I recommend seeking emergency medical attention to prevent worsening or dehydration.
This response is provided by Dr.
Tsai Tsung-Long from the Internal Medicine department.

Reply Date: 2005/06/06

More Info

When it comes to abdominal pain and diarrhea, understanding the underlying causes and knowing when to seek medical help is crucial, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. Your description of experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea, followed by a brief recovery, raises several important considerations.

Firstly, abdominal pain can arise from a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including but not limited to gastritis, gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or even more serious conditions like appendicitis or bowel obstruction. The sudden onset of pain, particularly if it is severe, warrants immediate medical attention. In your case, the fact that you experienced nausea and diarrhea, along with a feeling of faintness, suggests that you may have had an acute gastrointestinal event, possibly an infection or inflammation.

Given that your symptoms improved after a period of rest, it is possible that you experienced a mild viral gastroenteritis, which is often self-limiting. However, the presence of abdominal pain that persists or recurs, especially if it is associated with changes in bowel habits (like diarrhea), should not be ignored. The fact that you mentioned feeling better but still experiencing intermittent abdominal pain indicates that your body may still be in a recovery phase, but it does not rule out the need for further evaluation.

In terms of when to seek medical help, consider the following guidelines:
1. Severity of Pain: If the abdominal pain becomes severe or is accompanied by other alarming symptoms such as high fever, persistent vomiting, or blood in the stool, you should seek immediate medical attention.

2. Duration of Symptoms: If your symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours without improvement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. Chronic or recurrent abdominal pain can indicate underlying issues that require further investigation.

3. Associated Symptoms: Pay attention to any additional symptoms. For instance, if you experience significant weight loss, changes in appetite, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), these could be signs of more serious conditions.

4. Pre-existing Conditions: Given your age and any existing health issues (like diabetes or hypertension), it’s essential to be vigilant. Older adults may have atypical presentations of common illnesses, and their symptoms can progress more rapidly.

5. Hydration Status: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is particularly concerning for older adults. If you notice signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, decreased urination, or dizziness), seek medical help.

In conclusion, while your symptoms have improved, the intermittent abdominal pain suggests that further evaluation may be warranted. A visit to a primary care physician or a gastroenterologist could provide clarity. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, stool tests, or imaging studies to rule out any serious conditions. It’s always better to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to gastrointestinal health. If you have any doubts or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health is paramount, and timely intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Chronic Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello, I have been experiencing diarrhea for over a month, with more than five episodes daily, along with frequent abdominal pain. Initially, I thought I could endure it, but now the abdominal pain is so severe that it makes me break out in cold sweats. I have also started to fee...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
First, self-screen for a confirmed diagnosis, then schedule an appointment with the gastroenterology clinic.

Chronic Diarrhea: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?

Two years ago, I fainted due to severe diarrhea and sought medical attention, but the doctor said that taking medication to stop the diarrhea was sufficient. Over the past two years, I have frequently sought medical care for diarrhea, especially during colds, but the doctors have...

Dr. Yang Guojun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Your condition is likely Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Using general antidiarrheal medications may not be effective in controlling it, so please consult a gastroenterologist (you can find detailed information about IBS online). As for the gastrointestinal diarrhea caused by ant...

Understanding Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello Dr. Chen: My husband is 44 years old and has been experiencing abdominal pain (on the right side of the navel) and diarrhea (watery, yellowish... sometimes with black stools) for four consecutive days. He has taken gastrointestinal medication (has not seen a Western doctor ...

Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, 1. You can consult a gastroenterologist, general internist, or family medicine physician. 2. Avoid irritants such as spicy foods, alcohol, greasy foods, and dairy products (milk, cheese), and gradually return to a normal diet as you recover. 3. If this has been a long-...

Understanding Yellow Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello, I have been experiencing diarrhea for the past two to three days. The stool is yellow and very watery. I don't feel immediate abdominal pain after eating; however, throughout the day, I experience pain about 3 to 4 times. Sometimes, just as I'm about to sleep and...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It may be gastroenteritis. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-Shun.