Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Abdominal pain returns

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Irritable Bowel Syndrome


I'm a 55-year-old female. Two years ago I developed pain on the upper left side of my abdomen, at about my waist. It started after I drove six hours wearing tight jeans. My doctor ordered a sigmoidoscopy, which was normal. I was eating a lot of sunflower seeds at that time, and I found when I quit eating them the pain disappeared.

Now it's back. I'm not eating seeds, but I do eat some nuts every day. They never bothered me in the past. I've lost some weight (on purpose) and have been wearing tighter waistbands now and then. But the pain is present even in loose clothing. It's dull and not severe, but it can make sitting for long periods uncomfortable. If I shift position, sometimes it feels like something moves at the site of the pain. The only other symptom I have is increased burping.

I've had mild episodes of IBS. Could the pain be related? Thank you for your help!

__
Dear Sally,
there are many possible causes for the type of pain that you describe. Statistically, the most likely explanation is irritable bowel disease, but there are other conditions that can cause this pain. I would try increased fiber to see if the pain is improved. In view of your age, the american cancer society would suggest that you have your stool checked for blood annually and a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 3 years. This approach will reduce your probability of colorectal cancer.

If the symptoms persist you should contact your physician for evaluation.

This information is presented for educational purposes only. Always ask specific questions to your personal physician.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: abdominal pain, irritable bowel disease
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