[19M] With recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea

Patient Description

A 19-year-old male presents with a history of frequent stomach aches that typically occur in the morning or during stressful periods, such as test days at school. The abdominal pain is localized to the lower left quadrant and is described as a stomach ache that usually subsides after a bowel movement. The patient reports that the bowel movements are often watery or loose, and sometimes contain mucus, but there has never been blood present. Symptoms have been occurring for several years and are exacerbated by greasy foods. The patient has found that heat packs can alleviate the abdominal pain. There is no known family history of gastrointestinal diseases, no recent weight changes, and no known allergies or adverse reactions to medications. The patient is unsure about his vaccination status. He is currently taking an unspecified anti-diarrhea medication and does not use alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs. There are no other significant medical conditions reported.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. Your mention of symptoms being worse during periods of stress and improving with conscious diet changes aligns with this condition.
- Treatment for IBS is usually focused on relieving symptoms. A variety of dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and medications can help manage this condition.
Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, often caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasites. It can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes mucus in the stool. However, it usually resolves within a few days.
- Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Antibiotics or antiparasitics may be necessary in some cases.
Food Intolerance or Sensitivity: Certain foods might be triggering your symptoms. Common culprits include lactose, fructose, and gluten.
- Treatment involves identifying and avoiding the offending foods.

Remember, these are just possibilities. You should consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

Keep a symptom diary: Note down what you eat, when you experience symptoms, and any other relevant factors (like stress). This could help identify triggers or patterns.
Stay hydrated: Diarrhea can cause dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water or rehydration solutions.
Try dietary changes: Some people find relief by limiting or eliminating certain foods (like dairy, high-gas foods, gluten, or certain types of carbohydrates known as FODMAPs).
Seek medical advice: If your symptoms persist, worsen, or significantly interfere with your life, please consult a healthcare professional.

What you should look out for

See a healthcare professional if you experience:

Persistent or worsening symptoms
Blood in your stool
Unexplained weight loss
Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Fever or chills

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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10 mo ago

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[19M] With recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea

What might be happening

What you can do

What you should look out for

Experiencing symptoms?