Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Pain In The Ribs, Abdomen And Back?
Question: What would cause rib pain, abdominal pain and back pain?
4 days ago I had a GI virus with diarrheal stools all night long. Since then I have had bloating and pain in the upper abdominal cavity, front, back and sides. I have had several bowel movements since then, but constipation also.
4 days ago I had a GI virus with diarrheal stools all night long. Since then I have had bloating and pain in the upper abdominal cavity, front, back and sides. I have had several bowel movements since then, but constipation also.
Brief Answer:
Unfortunately these are normal symptoms; drink more gatorade/pedialyte
Detailed Answer:
Hi there!
Sounds like you had a viral diarrheal illness which usually only last about 3 days. It is the most common type of diarrheal illness. Generally what happens with viral diarrhea is that you get a little bit of damage to the cells on the wall of the intestine. This damage can result in the insufficient absorption of electrolytes and nutrients if severe which can lead to electrolyte derangements and dehydration. In addition, there is also loss of water and electrolytes from normal diarrhea.
Changes in appetite, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and alternating bowel habits are all very common symptoms of diarrheal illnesses. If there are fevers or bloody diarrhea, I would recommend seeing a doctor. Antibiotics may be recommended at that point; however, they are generally never given.
Unfortunately, there is generally not much done for diarrheal illnesses. Usually stool studies are taken to rule out severe infections such as salmonella, shigella, c. difficle, and E. Coli, as well as parasites and ova. Stool studies also can indicate if there is blood and/or fat which are usually signs of how severe an infection is.
I would recommend:
-Frequent hand washing
-increase fluids with things such as gatorade or pedialyte.
-avoid anti-motility agents (such as loperamide)
-you can try pepto-bismol if you are not taking aspirin or warfarin.
-probiotics have been shown to decrease the duration of diarrhea and alternating bowel habits
-zinc can also decrease diarrheal electrolyte loss
-you can try a diet rich in banana, rice, applesauce, and toast
-avoid coffee, alcohol, diary products, red meats, and heavily seasoned foods.
-ibuprofen/tylenol for abdominal pain and fevers
-avoid stool softeners and laxatives
-if symptoms do not improve in 7-10 days, I would see your primary care physician for routine blood work, stool studies, and possibly antibiotics. Diarrhea is the 7th leading cause of mortality world wide.
Unfortunately these are normal symptoms; drink more gatorade/pedialyte
Detailed Answer:
Hi there!
Sounds like you had a viral diarrheal illness which usually only last about 3 days. It is the most common type of diarrheal illness. Generally what happens with viral diarrhea is that you get a little bit of damage to the cells on the wall of the intestine. This damage can result in the insufficient absorption of electrolytes and nutrients if severe which can lead to electrolyte derangements and dehydration. In addition, there is also loss of water and electrolytes from normal diarrhea.
Changes in appetite, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and alternating bowel habits are all very common symptoms of diarrheal illnesses. If there are fevers or bloody diarrhea, I would recommend seeing a doctor. Antibiotics may be recommended at that point; however, they are generally never given.
Unfortunately, there is generally not much done for diarrheal illnesses. Usually stool studies are taken to rule out severe infections such as salmonella, shigella, c. difficle, and E. Coli, as well as parasites and ova. Stool studies also can indicate if there is blood and/or fat which are usually signs of how severe an infection is.
I would recommend:
-Frequent hand washing
-increase fluids with things such as gatorade or pedialyte.
-avoid anti-motility agents (such as loperamide)
-you can try pepto-bismol if you are not taking aspirin or warfarin.
-probiotics have been shown to decrease the duration of diarrhea and alternating bowel habits
-zinc can also decrease diarrheal electrolyte loss
-you can try a diet rich in banana, rice, applesauce, and toast
-avoid coffee, alcohol, diary products, red meats, and heavily seasoned foods.
-ibuprofen/tylenol for abdominal pain and fevers
-avoid stool softeners and laxatives
-if symptoms do not improve in 7-10 days, I would see your primary care physician for routine blood work, stool studies, and possibly antibiotics. Diarrhea is the 7th leading cause of mortality world wide.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
