Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Treatment Options

Q: Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Treatment Options

Hello： Based on the symptoms, the likelihood of gastrointestinal dysfunction is the highest. <br>It is recommended to start with a light diet that is low in oil and dairy. <br>If there is no improvement, it is advised to undergo gastrointestinal imaging or endoscopy. <br>Wishing

Could you please provide more details about the abdominal discomfort?

At the beginning of September, I experienced abdominal discomfort and bloating, which led to excessive gas.
I first consulted a gynecologist, who suspected pelvic inflammatory disease.
After taking antibiotics for two weeks, there was no significant improvement.
On September 25, the discomfort persisted, and I began to experience morning diarrhea (about two bowel movements upon waking, initially soft and then becoming mushy).
On September 28, I visited a gastroenterologist.
The doctor used a stethoscope to listen to my abdomen and prescribed three medications: mopride, strocain, and miyarisan.
After starting the medication, the diarrhea stopped, but my stools remained soft and thin, with about 2-3 bowel movements daily.
I still felt an incomplete evacuation after bowel movements, and the abdominal discomfort continued intermittently (mostly in the lower abdomen, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of gastric acid).
This morning, I noticed a distinct pain in the left abdomen (to the left of the navel) that radiates to the corresponding area of my back, raising concerns that I might have another condition that needs timely attention.
I would like to ask: 1.
Is it possible that there is inflammation in other organs? 2.
If this is still a gastrointestinal issue, why has there been no significant improvement despite medication? 3.
What could be the potential issues with the organ corresponding to the noticeable pain on the left side? Thank you very much for taking the time to respond!

Xiao Hua, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/10/02

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: Based on the symptoms, the likelihood of gastrointestinal dysfunction is the highest.
It is recommended to start with a light diet that is low in oil and dairy.
If there is no improvement, it is advised to undergo gastrointestinal imaging or endoscopy.
Wishing you good health, Dr.
Chen Chih-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2012/10/02

More Info

Understanding abdominal pain can be quite complex, as it can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from gastrointestinal issues to gynecological problems, and even psychological factors. Based on your symptoms and medical history, let's delve into the possible causes and treatment options.

1. Possible Causes of Abdominal Pain:
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Given your symptoms of bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea and soft stools), it is possible that you are experiencing a gastrointestinal disorder. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even infections could be at play. The fact that you have been prescribed medications like mopride (which is used to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders) suggests that your doctor is considering these possibilities.

- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Since you initially consulted a gynecologist and were treated for suspected pelvic inflammatory disease, it is important to consider that this condition can cause chronic abdominal pain and may not fully resolve with antibiotics, especially if there are underlying issues such as abscesses or chronic inflammation.

- Organ-Specific Issues: The left side pain you are experiencing could be related to several organs. For instance, the left ovary, left kidney, or even parts of the colon (such as the descending colon) could be involved. Conditions like ovarian cysts, kidney stones, or diverticulitis could manifest as left-sided abdominal pain.

2. Why Medications May Not Be Effective:
- If your abdominal pain persists despite treatment, it may indicate that the underlying cause has not been adequately addressed. Medications like mopride can help with motility but may not resolve inflammation or infection. Additionally, if there is an anatomical issue or a more serious condition, symptomatic treatment alone may not suffice. It is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider to reassess your symptoms and possibly consider further diagnostic testing.

3. Left-Sided Pain and Associated Organs:
- The left side of the abdomen houses several important structures. Pain in this area could be due to:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Such as diverticulitis or colitis.

- Gynecological Issues: Such as ovarian cysts or ectopic pregnancy (though less likely if you are not experiencing other typical symptoms).

- Renal Issues: Such as kidney stones or infections.

- Given your history of abdominal discomfort and the recent onset of left-sided pain, it would be prudent to investigate these possibilities further.

4. Next Steps:
- Further Evaluation: If your symptoms do not improve, it may be necessary to undergo imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the organs in the abdominal cavity. This can help identify any structural abnormalities or inflammation.

- Consultation with Specialists: Depending on the findings, you may need to see a gastroenterologist or a gynecologist for further evaluation. If there is a suspicion of a more complex issue, a referral to a specialist may be warranted.

5. Psychological Factors:
- It is also worth noting that anxiety and stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, addressing this through counseling or stress management techniques may also help alleviate some of your physical symptoms.

In conclusion, your ongoing abdominal pain and associated symptoms warrant a thorough investigation to determine the underlying cause. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers and advocate for further testing if your symptoms persist or worsen. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

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