[37M] Experiencing sharp stomach pain and bloating post-defecation

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions might be causing your symptoms:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.

  • Treatment typically focuses on relieving symptoms so that you can live as normally as possible.

• 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 usually consists of self-care measures to help make you more comfortable while your body fights off the infection.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve chronic inflammation of your digestive tract. Types of IBD include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Symptoms usually involve severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss.

  • IBD treatment usually involves either drug therapy or surgery.

• Gastritis: This is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

  • Treatment usually involves taking antacids and other drugs to reduce stomach acid, which can help relieve symptoms and promote healing.

What you can do

You should seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

1. Keep a food diary: This can help you identify any foods that trigger your symptoms.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, especially if you've been having diarrhea.
3. Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Instead of three large meals, try eating six small meals a day.
4. Try over-the-counter remedies: For example, you could try anti-diarrheal medications or gas relief drugs.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or you start to experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in your stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent vomiting
• Dehydration symptoms such as dry mouth, extreme thirst, and little to no urination.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.