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Can Lactulose Be Taken For Abdominal Pain And Bloating?

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Posted on Wed, 6 Jan 2016
Question: I've gone to the ER late Saturday night, was given lactulose, but my back and stomach still have pain and my stomach is really bloated and bubbly what else can I do to relieve this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Can you tell me more about the reason you went to ER/your diagnosis?

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I'm sorry you are having trouble. Can you tell me more about
- the reason you went to the ER,
- the diagnosis you were given
- the reason lactulose was given
- how is your back involved

That will help me to know more about what is going on and better answer your question.

Lactulose is a synthetic sugar that is usually used for 1 or 2 reasons:
hepatic encephalopathy (ammonia builds up in the blood and the lactulose lowers this). I do not think this would be the reason.
The other reason is for constipation. Was this the reason, and did it relieve the constipation?

Is the problem the feeling of excessive gas?

Do you have pain in the area of the stomach and acid reflux? Did they think you have GERD?

Thanks - I'll be able to help more after hearing your responses.




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

Ache or cramp in left side, which went across my back then it being to the bottom of my stomach as the day went on. Told I was constipated after machine testing where die was put in my intestines.

Yes, this is what Dr. XXXX XXXXXXX gave me a prescription for. I know I IRREGULAR BOWEL MOVEMENT.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Are you still constipated?

Detailed Answer:
If the constipation has not resolved and is the cause of your abdominal pain, then the bloated feeling and pressure will probably continue. It sounds like the lactulose did not adequately relieve the constipation? At this point, it might be reasonable to use 1 - 2 enemas to clear out the constipation and give you relief.

The lactulose can sometimes give some bloating and I wonder if that might be why you are feeling as though you have bubbles.

If after the constipation is entirely relieved, you are still having problems with gas and bloating, consider using simethicone (such as GasX) which is sold over the counter without prescription. Simethicone helps break up gas bubbles which helps with gas pain and burping and flatulence. BUT, if the main problem is constipation, I would not use the simethicone until that is resolved.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (26 minutes later)
Ache/ pain in left side, which went across my back then it being to the bottom of my stomach, felt like I was going to vomit, pain so bad I went to the ER. Told I was constipated after machine testing where die was put in my intestines. I was given lactulose for constipation. Now my stomach is bloated and bubbling little to no gas, just my stomach is rumbling. what can I do.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Is the constipation resolved?

Detailed Answer:
Has the constipation completely resolved?
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Can Lactulose Be Taken For Abdominal Pain And Bloating?

Brief Answer: Can you tell me more about the reason you went to ER/your diagnosis? Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, I'm sorry you are having trouble. Can you tell me more about - the reason you went to the ER, - the diagnosis you were given - the reason lactulose was given - how is your back involved That will help me to know more about what is going on and better answer your question. Lactulose is a synthetic sugar that is usually used for 1 or 2 reasons: hepatic encephalopathy (ammonia builds up in the blood and the lactulose lowers this). I do not think this would be the reason. The other reason is for constipation. Was this the reason, and did it relieve the constipation? Is the problem the feeling of excessive gas? Do you have pain in the area of the stomach and acid reflux? Did they think you have GERD? Thanks - I'll be able to help more after hearing your responses.