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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Abdominal Pain And Distension Of Abdomen?

My question is about GI function. I am a 33 yo male with no past medical history (except for seasonal allergies for which I take Benadryl and Claritin) having recurring severe abdominal pain. It began when I was young 5-6 yo and has continued throughout my life. The onset of pain is gradual and localized to my upper abdomen(transverse colon I think) and lasts for approximately 6-8 hours. It s A sharp pain with bloating that feels like something is going to burst out of my stomach. I m not sure what triggers it but I notice stress seems to be associated. There is no food in particular that seems to be a trigger. (No food or drug allergies) The only thing that resolves the pain to a manageable level (ie so I Can sleep etc) is OTC magnesium citrate. This takes about 5-15 min from taking the medication to happen. The pain does not seem to radiate but is again localized in what feels like my transverse colon or just below my stomach. There is no connection with onset and Time of day or night and other symptoms include abdominal distention and a bloated feeling. I ve seen a doc who ordered an acute abdominal series (X-ray) and he said the films were unremarkable but noticed some stool present. He prescribed bentyl, which seemed to work but by the time I took it wight time had passed for the situation to resolve so I don t know if the bentyl was effective. I don t know if I should have a GI series or continue to treat as needed with the mag citrate, which has the effect of giving me diarrhea, which sucks. I suspected constipation but I never pass a large stool after the pain resolves. I just resume normal bowel habits within a few days. I am not able to eat or sleep during the time I m having the pain and I ve had to leave work because of it. My suspicion is IBS or perhaps I just have an over active large Intestine that contracts and spasms randomly. Any advice would be appreciated!
Fri, 27 Oct 2017
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Your symptoms are nonspecific but suggestive of benign digestion disorder called IBD or irritable bowel syndrome. This is manifested with bloating or diarrheas with pain and abdominal discomfort.
As remedies you should: Look at your diet. If it contains a large amount of carbohydrates that are difficult to digest, try to replace them. Carbohydrates that are easier to digest, such as potatoes, rice, and bananas, are good substitutes. Also try to eat around five to six small meals a day instead of three larger ones to help your digestive process.

Chew properly to avoid doing anything that may increase the amount of air that you swallow. This includes making sure that you are chewing your food properly, and avoiding chewing gum or smoking. Also, drink some peppermint tea, chamomile tea and ginger. In severe cases colonoscopy should be done and some medications recommended.

Wishing you good health.
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What Causes Severe Abdominal Pain And Distension Of Abdomen?

Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. Your symptoms are nonspecific but suggestive of benign digestion disorder called IBD or irritable bowel syndrome. This is manifested with bloating or diarrheas with pain and abdominal discomfort. As remedies you should: Look at your diet. If it contains a large amount of carbohydrates that are difficult to digest, try to replace them. Carbohydrates that are easier to digest, such as potatoes, rice, and bananas, are good substitutes. Also try to eat around five to six small meals a day instead of three larger ones to help your digestive process. Chew properly to avoid doing anything that may increase the amount of air that you swallow. This includes making sure that you are chewing your food properly, and avoiding chewing gum or smoking. Also, drink some peppermint tea, chamomile tea and ginger. In severe cases colonoscopy should be done and some medications recommended. Wishing you good health.