[37F] Experiencing abdominal pain, gas, and early satiety

Patient Description

A 37-year-old female presents with a few days of dull abdominal pain located behind the right ribcage, rated as 2 out of 10 in severity, which is alleviated by passing gas and taking digestive enzymes. The patient also reports experiencing gas every day for several weeks, which seems to move through the digestive tract without a clear trigger from food. Additionally, the patient feels full quickly after eating small amounts of food for the past few days. Past medical history includes IBS diagnosed in 2014 and type 2 diabetes diagnosed in 2022, currently well-managed with Mounjaro 10 mg. The patient has a known allergy to Penicillin but is not on any other medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Given your history of IBS, your symptoms of abdominal pain, gas, and early satiety could be related to a flare-up of this condition. IBS is a chronic disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both.

    • Treatment typically involves long-term management of diet, lifestyle changes, and stress. In some cases, medication or counseling is recommended.
  • Gallbladder Disease: The gallbladder is located in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen, and conditions affecting it can cause symptoms like you're experiencing. For example, gallstones can block the ducts that bile uses to travel from the gallbladder to the small intestine, causing pain and other symptoms.

    • Treatment may involve medication to dissolve gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.
  • Gastritis or Peptic Ulcer Disease: These conditions involve inflammation or erosion of the stomach lining, which can cause pain, bloating, and early satiety.

    • Treatment typically involves medication to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.
  • Side effects of Mounjaro: Mounjaro is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Some people may experience side effects such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

    • If you suspect your medication is causing these symptoms, do not stop taking it without first consulting your doctor.

What you can do

  1. Keep a symptom diary: Note down when your symptoms occur, what you're eating, your stress levels, and any other factors that might be relevant. This can help you and your doctor identify triggers or patterns.
  2. Dietary changes: Try to identify any foods that might be triggering your symptoms and consider reducing or eliminating them from your diet. Some people find relief from a low FODMAP diet, which limits certain types of carbohydrates that are harder to digest.
  3. Regular exercise: Physical activity can often help reduce symptoms of IBS and improve digestion.
  4. Stress management: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress, which can exacerbate IBS symptoms.
  5. Over-the-counter remedies: Simethicone can help reduce gas and bloating. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting a new medication.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent vomiting or vomiting blood
  • Yellowing of your skin or eyes

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional. It's important to consult with your doctor about your symptoms for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines

People Also Ask


What are common symptoms of a gallbladder issue?

Common symptoms of a gallbladder issue include pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after eating fatty foods, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever or jaundice. Gallstones can block bile ducts, leading to these symptoms.


How can IBS affect digestion and cause symptoms like gas and early satiety?

IBS can affect digestion by causing irregular bowel movements, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. It can also lead to early satiety due to altered gut motility and sensitivity, making the digestive tract more reactive to food and stress.


What dietary changes can help manage IBS symptoms?

Dietary changes that can help manage IBS symptoms include following a low FODMAP diet, which reduces certain carbohydrates that are difficult to digest, eating smaller meals more frequently, and avoiding trigger foods like caffeine, alcohol, and high-fat foods.


What are potential side effects of Mounjaro that could affect digestion?

Potential side effects of Mounjaro, a medication for type 2 diabetes, include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. These side effects can affect digestion and should be discussed with a healthcare provider if they occur.


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