Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions in Gastroenterology

Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology Department

About three months ago, I started experiencing frequent abdominal pain.
Initially, it occurred before and after meals, with pain arising when I was hungry or after overeating.
Eventually, it progressed to nighttime pain, particularly between 11 PM and 3 AM.
During these episodes, I felt a bloated sensation in my abdomen, accompanied by cramping pain located in the central area of my chest and abdomen.
There seemed to be a round mass that would enlarge with increasing pain (the more intense the pain, the larger the mass).
I experienced these episodes at least five times a day.
By early August, the frequency decreased, and I would only have pain once or twice a day.
On August 21st, I had one episode between 11 AM and 1 PM, but it was not very severe and lasted only briefly.
Previously, during painful episodes, I also experienced nausea and vomiting.

A-Ren, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/08/23

Dr. Xu Jinchuan reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, your symptoms seem to coincide closely with meal times.
I'm not sure if you have a history of gastrointestinal issues.
The information provided in the letter indicates that these discomforting symptoms appear to be worsening and have been persistent for a long time.
Have you consulted a gastroenterologist? If not, I recommend seeing a physician soon, as it is difficult to assess the situation based solely on symptoms without any diagnostic reports.

Reply Date: 2006/08/23

More Info

Understanding abdominal pain can be quite complex, as it can arise from a multitude of causes, ranging from benign to serious conditions. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing recurrent abdominal pain for about three months, with symptoms that vary in intensity and frequency. The pain is associated with feelings of bloating and cramping, and it appears to be more pronounced at night, particularly between 11 PM and 3 AM. Additionally, you mentioned a sensation of a round object that seems to enlarge with the pain, and you have experienced nausea and vomiting during more severe episodes.

Given these symptoms, several potential causes could be considered. One possibility is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcer disease, which can cause pain related to eating patterns. The fact that you experience pain when hungry or after eating too much suggests that your stomach may be reacting to the presence of food or acid. The nocturnal nature of your pain could also indicate that acid reflux is exacerbated when lying down, leading to discomfort.

Another consideration is gallbladder disease, particularly if the pain is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. Gallstones can cause intermittent pain, especially after meals, and may lead to nausea and vomiting. The sensation of a round object enlarging could be related to gallbladder distension or spasms.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another possibility, characterized by abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits. IBS can lead to bloating, cramping, and discomfort, often triggered by dietary factors or stress.
Additionally, pancreatitis or pancreatic issues could be considered, especially if the pain radiates to the back or is associated with fatty meals.
Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is crucial to seek further evaluation from a gastroenterologist. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or endoscopy to visualize the gastrointestinal tract and identify any structural abnormalities or inflammation. Blood tests may also be necessary to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or organ dysfunction.

In the meantime, there are some lifestyle modifications you can consider to help manage your symptoms. Keeping a food diary may help identify any specific triggers related to your diet. Avoiding large meals, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can also be beneficial. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help reduce the burden on your digestive system. Additionally, elevating the head of your bed can help minimize nighttime symptoms if acid reflux is a concern.

Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, yoga, or therapy, may also be beneficial, especially if stress is a contributing factor to your symptoms.
In conclusion, while your symptoms may suggest several potential gastrointestinal issues, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention, especially if your symptoms worsen or if you experience additional concerning signs such as significant weight loss, persistent vomiting, or changes in bowel habits. Your health is paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps

Hello, doctor. For the past six months, I have frequently experienced abdominal bloating and pain accompanied by cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, and a feeling of wanting to vomit. The pain is not localized and can be felt from below the ribs to below the navel, often with a sensa...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Please discuss with a gastroenterologist and implement dietary control along with moderate exercise to reduce stress. An ultrasound examination may also be considered.

Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing pain about 1 cm below my navel and 3 cm to the right. Recently, pressing on that area causes pain, and using a handheld shower while bathing also causes mild discomfort. However, I do not feel pain during other activities, and it is not rela...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, mild enteritis can present with these symptoms. If there is no improvement with medication, a colon X-ray examination may be considered. Scoliosis must be very severe (over 30 degrees) to compress the internal organs. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng,...

Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes of Abdominal Pain and Gas Issues

Hello, I would like to ask the following questions: 1. I have been experiencing pain about 3-4 fingerbreadths above my navel and in my left abdomen 2-3 times within the past week. What organs are located in this area? What could be the possible causes of the pain? What initial ...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: 1. The organs associated with your pain include the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and transverse colon. Pain in this area may be related to gastrointestinal diseases (including gastritis, esophagitis, peptic ulcers, tumors, and polyps), liver, gallbladder, and panc...

Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns in Gastroenterology

Doctor, I have several concerns. I am experiencing intermittent pain in my left side of the abdomen, as well as pain in the upper abdomen. There is also discomfort around my navel and in the lower abdomen, which I can't quite determine if it's soreness or pain. These sy...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If all the pain in various locations is due to a single cause, it may be related to issues with the small intestine or large intestine. It could also be a combination of discomfort from several organs. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for a proper diagnosis....