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What Causes Intermittent Left-sided Abdominal Pain Along With Bloating?

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Posted on Tue, 18 Jul 2023
Question: Every now and again I have a pain in my left side that throbs, stabs, and cramps. I'm not constipated, my bowel movements are normal. I eat a high fiber, plant based diet, and mostly unprocessed foods. My belly bloats up and I get some relief with passing gas.
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Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Proper investigations are a must.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Pain in the left side - bloating that relieves with the passing of gas indicates the problem related to the colon (the gut).

Although there is no constipation and bowel movements are normal, your history indicates for some further clinical evaluation and particularly the investigations to get to the probable cause so that appropriate management can be done.

I would advise you the following in such a situation:
Get the stool tests (routine and microscopy)
Tests of blood for diabetes, liver, kidney and thyroid function; tumor markers like CEA and CA 19-9.

Contrast-enhanced CT scan and colonoscopy will help further to complete the diagnosis. All these are advised particularly considering your age of 55.

This way, the most proper diagnosis can be made in order to achieve the appropriate management.

I hope this answer helps you.

Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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What Causes Intermittent Left-sided Abdominal Pain Along With Bloating?

Brief Answer: Proper investigations are a must. Detailed Answer: Hi, Pain in the left side - bloating that relieves with the passing of gas indicates the problem related to the colon (the gut). Although there is no constipation and bowel movements are normal, your history indicates for some further clinical evaluation and particularly the investigations to get to the probable cause so that appropriate management can be done. I would advise you the following in such a situation: Get the stool tests (routine and microscopy) Tests of blood for diabetes, liver, kidney and thyroid function; tumor markers like CEA and CA 19-9. Contrast-enhanced CT scan and colonoscopy will help further to complete the diagnosis. All these are advised particularly considering your age of 55. This way, the most proper diagnosis can be made in order to achieve the appropriate management. I hope this answer helps you. Regards, Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon