[20F] Experiencing chronic abdominal pain and bloating

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 and can cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. The exact cause of IBS isn't known, but several factors appear to play a role, such as muscle contractions in the intestine, abnormalities in the nerves in your digestive system, inflammation in the intestines, severe infection, or changes in bacteria in the gut.

  • Treatment for IBS is usually focused on relieving symptoms and can include dietary changes, medication, and stress management.

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, usually caused by a virus or bacteria, and can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. However, you did not mention having diarrhea or vomiting, which are common symptoms of gastroenteritis.

  • Treatment for gastroenteritis usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medication to help with symptoms.

• Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining and can cause abdominal pain and bloating. However, gastritis usually causes upper abdominal pain, not lower abdominal pain.

  • Treatment for gastritis usually involves medication to decrease stomach acid.

• Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine on the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendicitis can cause severe pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, but it usually comes on suddenly and gets worse over time, which doesn't quite match your symptoms.

  • Treatment for appendicitis is usually surgical removal of the appendix.

Please note that these are potential diagnoses based on the symptoms you've described, and you should seek care from a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

1. Try to identify any triggers for your symptoms, such as certain foods or stress, and avoid them if possible.
2. Maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
3. Over-the-counter medications, such as antacids or gas relief drugs, may help with some of your symptoms. However, you should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.
4. Regular exercise can help regulate bowel movements and reduce stress, which may help with some of your symptoms.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

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

Remember, this advice is meant to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.