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Experiencing Bloated Stomach With Cramps And Diarrhea. Feeling Nausea. What Am I Suffering From?

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Posted on Fri, 1 Mar 2013
Question: I am 30 yr old female I have been experiencing a bloated stomach and cramps for the last 2 months. At the moment my stomach is noticeably larger my jeans or trousers dont fit I am on my period. My last period was heavy for me this month my period is light. Feel slightly nauseous at times enough for me to notice but not too bad. I have not lost or gained weight, I am on the pill I have not missed any pills so I shouldnt be pregnant.
I was ill about 3 weeks ago I suspect from food poisoning I had diorreah and sickness and stomach pain (felt as if something was trying to claw its way out of me and the pain was not constant it came and went for about 3 days) and couldnt eat for a few days following.
I felt fine after this but now my stomach has been more bloated and feel heavy. Not sure how to describe it. I do not usually feel bloated on my period and I do not get many symptoms during my period apart from the last 2 months.
Any ideas?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Charles S Narasi (1 hour later)
Hello, XXXXXXX,
You mention about having had some sort of stomach flu like
symptoms 3 weeks ago which lasted for 3 days. I am assuming
that you were not treated with any antibiotics at that time.
It is important because , antibiotic usage has been associated with
a type of colitis, called "C.Difficile Colitis" which could be serious.
This can happen right after you finish the antibiotics or can happen
2-3 weeks later. There is a stool test you can have done which will
diagnose this. C.Difficile Toxins A & B in the stool will detect this.
If positive you need treatment for that with different medications.
There is "Irritable Bowel Syndrome " that can follow any kind of
intestinal infection. IBS for short, is either constipation predominant
or diarrhea predominant. Abdominal bloating, pain is very common.
This is related more to the Gut-Brain interaction mediated by hormone
Serotonin. This can make the contractions of the intestine slow with
constipation as predominant symptom.
The treatment is high fiber diet with supplemental fiber products
with adquate fluid intake. Stool softeners and osmotic laxatives like
polyethylene glycol solution can relieve constipation.
Regular excercises like walking will be helpful.
Avoid carbonated drinks and excess caffeine.
If the bloating is bad , Peppermint oil capsules may be helpful.
I hope this helps you and I wish you the very best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Charles S Narasi (10 minutes later)
Thank you for your response.

No I didnt take antibiotics i let my stomach get better by itself.

I dont have diarrhoea now and I am not constipated I am regular which makes me more confused of why I have bloating. I thought of IBS but I have never had any issues before. I eat very well, don't drink carbonated drinks.

I will try peppermint oil capsules.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Charles S Narasi (9 minutes later)
Hi !
We can rule out C.Difficile problem.
I think you do have IBS-C (Constipation).
I would have you follow all the the steps
I mentioned above and certainly try the
Peppermint oil capsule. You may find them
in general Nurtrition type of stores.
Some people will experience a little
heartburn with this. Take it after meals two or
three times a day.
Good luck.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Charles S Narasi

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1962

Answered : 693 Questions

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Experiencing Bloated Stomach With Cramps And Diarrhea. Feeling Nausea. What Am I Suffering From?

Hello, XXXXXXX,
You mention about having had some sort of stomach flu like
symptoms 3 weeks ago which lasted for 3 days. I am assuming
that you were not treated with any antibiotics at that time.
It is important because , antibiotic usage has been associated with
a type of colitis, called "C.Difficile Colitis" which could be serious.
This can happen right after you finish the antibiotics or can happen
2-3 weeks later. There is a stool test you can have done which will
diagnose this. C.Difficile Toxins A & B in the stool will detect this.
If positive you need treatment for that with different medications.
There is "Irritable Bowel Syndrome " that can follow any kind of
intestinal infection. IBS for short, is either constipation predominant
or diarrhea predominant. Abdominal bloating, pain is very common.
This is related more to the Gut-Brain interaction mediated by hormone
Serotonin. This can make the contractions of the intestine slow with
constipation as predominant symptom.
The treatment is high fiber diet with supplemental fiber products
with adquate fluid intake. Stool softeners and osmotic laxatives like
polyethylene glycol solution can relieve constipation.
Regular excercises like walking will be helpful.
Avoid carbonated drinks and excess caffeine.
If the bloating is bad , Peppermint oil capsules may be helpful.
I hope this helps you and I wish you the very best.