What Causes Abdominal Pain And Diarrhea?

Posted on Mon, 2 Jun 2014

Question: Hi Dr Grief, my name is XXXX. My 21 yo special needs son has been experiencing abdominal pain and on & off diarrhea for the past 2 - 3 weeks. Until today, he said the pain has been mostly around his belly button but today he does have right lower quadrant pain including alone, pushing on it, and rebound pain. It is not however rolling on the floor pain. He did say he vomited today (?). He also answered yes to 9 out of the 19 questions on this sites "10 questions for appendicitis". My question is; Do you think he is headed towards this diagnosis and can he wait until we have more definitive symptoms or should I stop all food and take him to the ER? How long can this progression usually take because he's acting perfectly fine and wants to eat eggs and French fries (milk, I'm sure). I'm being overly cautious and making him wait for your answer.
Thank you for your time.
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your son need immediate medical attention.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM

Your son need immediate medical attention.Severity of pain may vary due to your son's physical status.
Peri umbilical pain with rebound tenderness strongly suggest acute appendicitis.
However it should be clinically correlated and he need few investigations to confirm.
Firstly, routine hemogram should be done.There is increased WBC count in acute appendicitis.Ultrasound of abdomen should also be done for confirmation.

Till proper examination,nothing should be given from the mouth.
Acute appendicitis can be operated immediately.If there is delay in diagnosis then lump is formed and operation is done after some interval.

It is also important to rule out other conditions like colitis.

Proper treatment depend upon findings.

Get well soon.
Hope i have answered your query
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (38 minutes later)

Thank you for your reply although it was exactly what I expected. He is now telling me the pain is better and he wants to wait until morning before getting checked out. He ate popcorn earlier this evening, around 7:00 pm and has not vomited and has also taken his nightly meds & 24+ oz of water. Can we wait?Oh, I forgot to tell you, my son also took a very long walk late afternoon, early evening ( 7-8 ) so his pain can't be that excruciating!

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can wait till morning.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing back

You can wait till morning,but he need medical checkup.Severity of pain can fluctuate in appendicitis.

Get well soon.
Hope i have answered your query
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (9 minutes later)

Thank you Dr XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
I appreciate your time and answers. Good health and best wishes
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks for your comments.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing back

Thanks for your comments.

Get well soon.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar