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Suggest Treatment For Severe Bloating In The Lower Abdominal Area

Posted on Mon, 1 Feb 2016

Question: I'm having severe bloating below my rib cage but above my belly button. It's all of the way across my stomach, but mostly felt in the middle. I can hear bubbling sounds sometimes and can feel what feels like liquid moving around at times. My lower abdomen feels some pressure at times. I've been on Bactrim DS for 3-4 days, but I've stopped it because of my stomach bloating. I have no fever or constipation. I have not felt nauseated or thrown up. I don't feel like eating very much. My stools are very loose and I had gas during the night. When should I be concerned enough to go to ER? I do have occasional IBS.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
if these signs occur

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM.

Only emergency in such cases may present intestinal volvulus, obstruction, stomach perforation or pancreatitis.

I don't think you have any of these. However, if you had previous surgery in abdomen then you should see doctor since it increases risk of intraabdominal adhesions and bowel volvulus.

You don't have signs of surgical emergency as per your description, but if there won't be any bowel movements/motions for 48 hours or if you start to vomit continuously or pain progresses to constant feeling then you should go to ER.

At this point, it looks to me like IBS episode, gastritis or innapropriate diet, and antibiotic therapy.

Take Anti-spasmodics(i.e. SPASMOPROXIVON), more liquids, probiotics, rice, avoid alcohol, coffee and fried food.

Later, it would be advisable to do gastroscopy and colonoscopy if symptoms persist.

Any further queries are most welcome.

Wish you good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (22 minutes later)

I have had laproscopic gallbladder removed and appendix removed surgically. Is that something to be considered?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
Yes, these operation may lead to formation of intraabdominal adhesions and consequently partial obstruction of small bowel and digestion difficulties later in life. So this is possible cause of bloating and pain. If this will persist, you should do contrast RTG imaging of small bowel.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

I have also had a c-section that I forgot to mention. The bloating is very uncomfortable, but i hear sounds and feel liquid feel gurgling. Is that a good thing? I have had loose bowel movements and passed gas. I have never had it last this long with not much relief which caused my concern. I do not want to panic or think the worst. Thank you .

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dont think this is serious

Detailed Answer:
hi.
well if you pass stool and there are bowel sounds then this is good sign. however,you may have some difficulties of feces passage and abdominal xrays or contrast imaging of bowel should be considered. try to use spasmodics, ranitidine and probiotics.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Thank you for your help. Have a good day .

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you re welcome

Detailed Answer:
You re welcome.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T