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What Causes Upper Abdominal Pain And Chronic Diarrhoea After Excessive Alcohol Consumption?

Posted on Mon, 13 Jul 2015

Question: Hi-My husband has been a heavy drinker in the past but is finding that he can no longer drink as much because it causes severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Despite the fact that
he has reduced the amount of alcohol he consumes daily (now about 6 beers a day) he still complains of
upper stomach pain and chronic diarrhea, having to go on average 10 times a day. This has been going
on for about 6 weeks. What can be done? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Infectious diarrhea should be assessed for and treated

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Infectious diarrhea needs to be looked for. Blood and pus in stool, high fever, raised TLC count, High ESR/CRP would suggest an infective cause and would require antibiotics. Isotonic fluid replacement should continue e.g. ORS. Immodium alone wont help. The upper abdominal pain can also be related to the gastroenteritis. LFTs , electrolytes, stool for ova and parasite, ultrasound abdomen and pelvis should be done, in consult with your doctor as part of the workup.

Let me know if you have any query

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

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Dr. M.S. Khalil

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (12 minutes later)

No fever, pus and has been going on for 6 weeks. Could the diarrhea be caused by pancreatitis? If so, is there a diet change that should be considered?
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Acute pancreatitis presents with vomiting rather than diarrhea. Acute pancreatitis presents with mid epigastric pain radiating to the back. Blood tests including Amylase and Lipase levels should be done with lipase being more specific.

Chronic Pancreatitis can present with Abdominal pain, Diarrhea i.e. pale and greasy stools that float indicating fat mal absorption associated with chronic pancreatitis.
A CT scan can be advise to confirm the diagnosis. Diet low in fat and high in protein plus carbohydrates should be taken. Oral supplementation of fat soluble vitamins ADEK and Vitamin B 12 should also be done as they become deficient due to fat mal absorption.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

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