[41M] Experiencing stomach cramping and lower left quadrant abdominal pain

Patient Description

A 41-year-old male reports experiencing stomach cramping and lower left quadrant abdominal pain. The cramping is described as a dull pain that occurs 1-2 hours after eating and has been present at a low level for three months, becoming more acute over the past week. The pain intensity is rated as a 6 out of 10 and lasts for approximately 2-3 hours per episode. The patient has noted that the symptoms may be exacerbated by greasy foods, but there is no current relief from the discomfort. No additional symptoms or relevant medical history were provided.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and 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. This might involve dietary changes, medication, and managing stress.
  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, often caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes fever.

    • Treatment usually involves rest and rehydration. Antibiotics or antivirals may be necessary in some cases.
  • Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating.

    • Treatment usually involves taking medication to decrease stomach acid, which can help relieve symptoms and promote healing.

Remember, these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  • Try to identify any food triggers that may be causing your symptoms. This could be fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, or alcohol. Keeping a food diary might help with this.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, especially if you're also experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Over-the-counter antacids or pain relievers may help with the pain and discomfort. However, it's important to use these medications as directed and not for long periods of time without consulting a doctor.
  • Try to manage stress, as this can often exacerbate symptoms. This could involve relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

What you should look out for

  • If your symptoms become severe or persist for more than a few days, seek medical attention.
  • If you notice any blood in your stool, this could indicate a more serious condition and you should seek medical attention immediately.
  • If you experience any other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or persistent vomiting, seek medical attention.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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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 causes of lower left quadrant abdominal pain?

Common causes of lower left quadrant abdominal pain include conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis, kidney stones, and sometimes gastrointestinal infections. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.


How can dietary changes help manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Dietary changes can help manage IBS symptoms by identifying and avoiding trigger foods that exacerbate symptoms. This often includes reducing intake of fatty, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol. A food diary can help track and identify these triggers.


What are the typical symptoms of gastritis and how is it treated?

Typical symptoms of gastritis include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating. Treatment usually involves medications to reduce stomach acid, which can help relieve symptoms and promote healing.


When should I seek medical attention for abdominal pain?

You should seek medical attention for abdominal pain if it becomes severe, persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by symptoms like blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or persistent vomiting.


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