Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Q: Left Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Hello： In response to your questions： 1. <br>Generally, having bowel movements anywhere from three times a day to once every three days is not considered abnormal, as long as it does not affect daily life or cause physical symptoms, and it is not related to nutrient absorption. <

Discomfort in the left abdominal area?

Hello, Dr.
Ke.
I have a few questions.
Recently, I've been experiencing discomfort in my left abdomen (which I haven't had before).
Sometimes, I feel relief after passing gas.
A while ago, I had a sudden sharp pain and thought it might be a kidney issue.
After undergoing X-rays and urine tests in the nephrology department, my kidneys were found to be fine.
However, the X-ray revealed a dark area in the upper left side of my intestines (at the bend), which the doctor said was due to fecal impaction and trapped air, causing the discomfort.
He mentioned that this is more common in males and prescribed a laxative, which significantly improved my condition.
Later, I experienced blood in my stool and went to the colorectal surgery department, where I was diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids.
After using suppositories, my condition improved, but it recurred once, and after switching to medication, I stopped bleeding.
My bowel movements occur daily (the stools are shaped like logs but not continuous, with a diameter of over 2 cm, sometimes thinner at less than 2 cm).
I had a bout of diarrhea for about 1-2 days, but it returned to normal afterward, mostly appearing golden yellow.
Recently, I've been taking Chinese herbal medicine to regulate my body, so I have bowel movements twice a day.
However, after waking up in the morning and going once, I feel the urge to go again after about 2 hours, and the amount is considerable.
I would like to ask the doctor a few questions:
Q1: Is it normal to have shorter intervals between bowel movements (twice a day, with three times being less common)? Does this mean nutrients are not being absorbed and are being expelled from the body? (I've been eating vegetarian for almost two months due to family circumstances.)
Q2: What could be the cause of the discomfort in my left abdomen? (I had severe pain before, but after clearing the fecal impaction, I haven't experienced such intense pain again; it just feels odd but not painful.)
Q3: Could suddenly consuming too much meat after being vegetarian for a long time lead to poor intestinal absorption and cause diarrhea? Thank you!

A Da, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/05/10

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Hello: In response to your questions: 1.
Generally, having bowel movements anywhere from three times a day to once every three days is not considered abnormal, as long as it does not affect daily life or cause physical symptoms, and it is not related to nutrient absorption.
2.
Discomfort in the left abdomen is usually related to bowel habits; however, if bowel habits improve, it may simply be a functional issue of the intestines.
If there is suspicion of a malignant tumor, a colonoscopy should be performed.
3.
Long-term vegetarianism may lead to changes in gut microbiota.
A sudden change in dietary habits can indeed cause diarrhea, but it is not due to malabsorption.

Reply Date: 2013/05/10

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed inquiry regarding your wife's left abdominal discomfort and your own recent experiences. Let's break down your questions and concerns regarding left abdominal pain, bowel habits, and dietary changes.

Q1: Is it normal to have bowel movements twice a day, and does this indicate poor nutrient absorption?
Having bowel movements twice a day can be normal for some individuals, especially if they are consuming a high-fiber diet or have recently made significant dietary changes, such as switching to a vegetarian diet. The frequency of bowel movements can vary widely among individuals, and what is normal for one person may not be for another.
If you are experiencing more frequent bowel movements after transitioning to a vegetarian diet, it could be due to an increase in fiber intake, which can stimulate bowel activity. However, if you notice that your stools are consistently loose or you are experiencing diarrhea, it may indicate that your body is not fully absorbing nutrients, particularly if you have recently reintroduced meat into your diet after a period of vegetarianism.
It's essential to monitor your body's response to dietary changes. If you continue to have concerns about nutrient absorption or bowel habits, consulting a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian may provide personalized guidance.

Q2: What could be causing the left abdominal discomfort?
Left abdominal discomfort can arise from various causes, including gastrointestinal issues, musculoskeletal problems, or even referred pain from other organs. Given your recent experience with constipation and the presence of "stool and air obstruction" in the left colon, it is likely that the discomfort you felt was related to bowel function.

Conditions such as diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or even gas buildup can lead to discomfort in the left abdomen. Since you mentioned that the severe pain subsided after passing stool, it suggests that the discomfort was likely related to bowel obstruction or gas. However, if the discomfort persists or worsens, further evaluation may be warranted to rule out other potential issues, such as inflammation or structural abnormalities.

Q3: Could sudden reintroduction of meat after a long period of vegetarianism cause digestive issues?
Yes, suddenly reintroducing meat into your diet after a prolonged period of vegetarianism can lead to digestive issues. Your digestive system may need time to readjust to processing animal proteins and fats, which can sometimes result in symptoms like bloating, gas, or diarrhea. This is particularly true if the reintroduction is abrupt and involves large quantities of meat.

To ease this transition, consider gradually reintroducing meat into your diet, starting with smaller portions and incorporating it alongside easily digestible foods. This approach can help your digestive system adapt more comfortably.

Conclusion
In summary, your left abdominal discomfort may be linked to bowel function, particularly given your history of constipation and recent dietary changes. While having bowel movements twice a day can be normal, it's essential to pay attention to the consistency and overall health of your stools. If discomfort persists or if you experience any alarming symptoms, such as significant pain, blood in the stool, or changes in bowel habits, seeking medical advice is crucial.

Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and gradually reintroducing foods can help manage your digestive health. If you have further concerns or if symptoms continue, consulting a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and tailored recommendations is advisable. Thank you for your questions, and I wish you and your wife good health!

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