[28M] Experiencing intermittent, stress-related abdominal pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possibilities:

• Gallstones or Gallbladder Disease: The gallbladder is located in the upper right part of your abdomen. Gallstones can cause sharp, crampy pain in the upper right part of your abdomen. The pain usually comes and goes, and can be severe.

  • Treatment: If gallstones are causing symptoms, surgery to remove the gallbladder is the most common treatment. If the gallstones are not causing symptoms, treatment may not be necessary.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. Stress can make symptoms worse.

  • Treatment: Lifestyle changes, including diet and stress management, can often help control symptoms. Medications may also be an option.

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the U.S. It causes millions of cases of diarrhea each year.

  • Treatment: The problem often clears up on its own after a few days. Rest and rehydration are the mainstays of treatment for viral gastroenteritis.

• Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small tube that is attached to the large intestine. Symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal pain, usually starting in the middle of the abdomen and then moving to the lower right quadrant.

  • Treatment: Appendicitis is a medical emergency and treatment usually involves surgery to remove the appendix.

What you can do

1. Try to identify any triggers for your abdominal pain. This could include certain foods or stress. Avoiding these triggers may help reduce your symptoms.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen, may help with the pain. However, it's important to not take more than the recommended dose.
3. If your pain is related to stress, stress management techniques, like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, may be helpful.

What you should look out for

• If your pain becomes severe or constant, you should seek medical attention immediately.
• If you develop additional symptoms, like fever, vomiting, or changes in your bowel movements, you should also seek medical attention.
• If your pain doesn't improve or worsens over time, it's important to see a doctor.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. You should consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.