Suggest Treatment For Upper Abdominal Pain With Bloating While Having IBS

Posted on Tue, 5 Jan 2016

Question: Hello

I am a 24 year old 5 ft 2 female, weighing 103lbs, currently suffering with daily stomach pains (cramping), severe bloating, low energy and pain that radiates from my left stomach, just below my ribs, through to my back. The current diagnosis is IBS, though I experience no bowel movement issues - just the pain and severe bloating. I have been on the low FODMAP (and mostly vegan) diet for several months, and have cut out dairy and wheat completely - though I've not really seen much improvement. This has all been going on for several years, but has recently become considerably worse. The pain in my left abdomen radiating to my back is new, as of a few months ago. I recently had an upper abdominal ultrasound, which showed a small polyp in my liver, but have been told that this is no cause for any particular concern. I have had blood tests that have ruled out Celiac Disease.

I'm wondering what avenues I should explore now? My doctor seems pretty content with the IBS diagnosis, but I was curious if there were any more tests I can do that might help me get some answers as to what is causing these daily, somewhat debilitating, issues?

Thankyou for your help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
anti acidity medicines with certain life style modifications are advisable

Detailed Answer:
Hello
welcome to health care magic, I really appreciate your concern.
Upper abdominal pain with bloating might be related to number of conditions like
Acid peptic disease
Aerophagia (swallowing of air)
Pancreatic disease
Malabsorption syndrome
IBS
Cholelithiasis or gall bladder disease

Small polyp in liver might not cause such symptoms, however if you can upload me all the reports and ultrasound scan, so that I will be able to tell you more conclusively.

I would advise you to take to pantoprazole or ranitidine group of drugs with antacids
Take adequate rest and try to avoid excess stress and anxiety
You should avoid cold drinks and carbonated drinks, fatty fried and junk food
Have lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

If it doesn't help with these drugs and life style modifications than I would advise you for serum amylase and lipase test with serum electrolytes and an CT scan abdomen if need be.

Hope this answers your question please feel free to discuss further I will be happy to help you
Best wishes

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina