[18F] Experiencing recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The exact cause of IBS isn't known, but certain factors play a role such as muscle contractions in the intestine, abnormalities in the nervous system, inflammation in the intestines, severe infection, or changes in bacteria in the gut.

  • Treatment of IBS typically involves long-term management of diet, lifestyle changes, and stress management. Medications and counseling might be recommended by a healthcare provider.

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is particularly common and highly infectious. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, fever, and chills.

  • Treatment of gastroenteritis usually involves self-care to relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration, including drinking plenty of fluids, rest, and eating light, bland foods.

• Food Intolerance: This is a digestive system response rather than an immune system response. It occurs when something in food irritates a person's digestive system or when a person is unable to properly digest or breakdown, the food. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

  • Treatment of food intolerances generally involves avoidance of the offending substances.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

1. Keep a food diary: Note what you eat and how you feel afterward. This can help you identify foods that trigger your symptoms.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost through diarrhea. Water is good, but adding broth, juice or sports drinks to your diet may help replace lost minerals called electrolytes.
3. Eat small meals: If you feel like eating, eat small amounts of bland foods, such as rice, bananas or applesauce.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your symptoms persist for more than a few days
• If you notice blood in your stool or vomit
• If you have a high fever (temperature over 100.4°F)
• If you have signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little or no urine, and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person.