What Causes Lower Abdominal Cramps And Diarrhea?

Posted on Tue, 15 Jul 2014

Question: I have been having excessive pain (almost like period cramps) in the lower part of my abdomen. Has occurred in the morning for three days but has now started in the evening. It is accompanied by very dark runny stool. At some points (especially in the early morning) I am also seeing very light hard, stringy stools.
Any ideas? I have suffered from extreme GERDs and other gas issues (for two years) - but these seem to have completely subsided since this new issue has arrive.
A few other pieces of information that my support this analysis:

1. I am a vegetarian
2. The pain is largely on my left side and just above my pelvis
3. I generally practice holistic healthcare
4. I have found excessive bloating has been experienced
5. I do enjoy wine (likely too much)
6. I had an upper hernia repaired two years ago and had full work up done. Only issues noted were elevated liver enzymes
7. I work for myself and have been putting in 12 - 18 hours 7 days a week (at a computer) for almost 7 years, this has changed recently but I have not increased physically activity except the last week.

Answered by Dr. M Y Shareef (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
An intestinal infection has to be ruled out.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX ! Good morning. I am Dr Shareef answering your query.

It is good to know your active life style you have maintained which would reward you in keeping good health.

If I were your doctor, I would like to know if you had anything to eat recently from outside like any fast, fried food. If so, it could possibly due to an intestinal infection/food poisoning leading to the present cramps with runny stool.Also the excessive bloating could be a part of it.

If this continues, I would advise you to see your family physician, who after a complete physical examination might advise you for a routine blood test like CBC, a routine stool test for ova/cyst/bacteria followed by a culture sensitivity test and test for occult blood if need be, and possibly an ultrasound of your abdomen to rule out any other intra-abdominal pathology.A repeat LFT might be necessary to rule out any further rise in the liver enzymes.

Till then you could go for a proton pump inhibitor, and increase your fluid intake to avoid chances of any dehydration due to a runny stool.For the cramps if intolerable, you could go for an anti spasmodic drug.

I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.

Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad