Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Pain Under The Ribs While Having Bowel Movement
Question: I have a pain under my last rib on the left side. It gets better when I have a bowel movement, but hurts while doing so. Feels similar to a bruise, tender to the touch or if I tist the wrong way.
Brief Answer:
Stomach problem or large intestine diverticulitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Why do you take laxatives? Do you have any constipation problem? If yes, since when?
Upper left side is where a part of stomach is located. So any stomach issue including peptic ulcer or stomach inflammation can give pain in the upper left side. The stomach pain usually appears after a meal. It is dull, does not radiate anywhere. Nausea and lack of appetite can also appear.
If you have constipation problem, large intestine which is also on this location can give a pain. The disease of large intestine caused by constipation is diverticulitis. Due to increased pressure in the intestine, kind of pouches appear in the wall. When a part of stool stuck in such pouch, causes inflammation. It gives pain and tenderness. Bowel movement can make the pain less intense.
I suggest you to consult your doctor. Abdominal ultrasound, blood work should be done at first. If an inflammation will be present in blood work (elevated WBC and CRP), antibiotics should be given along with liquid diet and colonoscopy scheduled after 3 weeks.
If nothing will be found in blood work, gastroscopy is the next step.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Stomach problem or large intestine diverticulitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Why do you take laxatives? Do you have any constipation problem? If yes, since when?
Upper left side is where a part of stomach is located. So any stomach issue including peptic ulcer or stomach inflammation can give pain in the upper left side. The stomach pain usually appears after a meal. It is dull, does not radiate anywhere. Nausea and lack of appetite can also appear.
If you have constipation problem, large intestine which is also on this location can give a pain. The disease of large intestine caused by constipation is diverticulitis. Due to increased pressure in the intestine, kind of pouches appear in the wall. When a part of stool stuck in such pouch, causes inflammation. It gives pain and tenderness. Bowel movement can make the pain less intense.
I suggest you to consult your doctor. Abdominal ultrasound, blood work should be done at first. If an inflammation will be present in blood work (elevated WBC and CRP), antibiotics should be given along with liquid diet and colonoscopy scheduled after 3 weeks.
If nothing will be found in blood work, gastroscopy is the next step.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I started being constipated about four days ago. the pain was sharp and hurts to strain as in bowel movement, coughing, sneezing. I took the laxatives to make it so I didn't have to push as hard. After having bowel movements it does ease the pain considerably. I have not been to the doctor because of no insurance
Brief Answer:
ER visit might be necessary.
Detailed Answer:
If the pain gets worse when coughing, there might be abdominal cavity inflammation. Please push the tender area gently and than release the pressure rapidly. Please also knock gently with your fingers to the abdomen. Does it sound like drum?
If the pain gets worse while releasing the pressure, you should visit ER. If there is a drum sound, ER visit is also necessary.
If its diverticulitis, intestine perforation can be the case. Please do not wait with it.
Regards.
ER visit might be necessary.
Detailed Answer:
If the pain gets worse when coughing, there might be abdominal cavity inflammation. Please push the tender area gently and than release the pressure rapidly. Please also knock gently with your fingers to the abdomen. Does it sound like drum?
If the pain gets worse while releasing the pressure, you should visit ER. If there is a drum sound, ER visit is also necessary.
If its diverticulitis, intestine perforation can be the case. Please do not wait with it.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
the pain is only there when pressure is applied, none when released and no drum sound
Brief Answer:
Lack of this symptoms is a good sign
Detailed Answer:
Ok, this is a good sign. If you are unable to visit a doctor, please try to follow this steps:
- start fiber supplementation
- start probiotic intake
- increase mineral water intake
- avoid solid foods for 12 hours, have liquid diet (soup, tea)
- after 12 hours, start with soft diet (boiled meat, boiled vegetables, rice)
- start taking Omeprazole 20 mgs (PriLOSEC OTC) once a day in the morning (before any foods)
- avoid any coffee, chocolate, fatty foods, alcohol, orange juices
This should help in a week or so if the issue is not serious.
Regards.
Lack of this symptoms is a good sign
Detailed Answer:
Ok, this is a good sign. If you are unable to visit a doctor, please try to follow this steps:
- start fiber supplementation
- start probiotic intake
- increase mineral water intake
- avoid solid foods for 12 hours, have liquid diet (soup, tea)
- after 12 hours, start with soft diet (boiled meat, boiled vegetables, rice)
- start taking Omeprazole 20 mgs (PriLOSEC OTC) once a day in the morning (before any foods)
- avoid any coffee, chocolate, fatty foods, alcohol, orange juices
This should help in a week or so if the issue is not serious.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
