What causes severe constipation, bloating and tenderness under rib cage?

Posted on Fri, 15 May 2015

Question: yesterday I had an extremley bad case of constipation and had to use an enema. Right after followed the worst case of bloating I have ever experienced. It was like something under my right rib cage was going to explode. I can't even describe how bad the pain was. Thankfully the gas finnaly passed however whatever it was backed up into under my ribs is still extremely tender and its hard to lay on my right side. Could this be something serious?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not to worry- get a precautionary EKG

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your query.
What you probably had was PC enema.
This acts by irritating the bowel.
That increases the secretions in the colon.
This makes you pass stools.
That irritation can be percieved as pain and irritation.
usually this settles within next 24-48 hours.
However, to be safe, its better to test an EKG.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (6 minutes later)

o ok. that makes sense. I dont think I need an EKG. The pain is localised right where my stomach or Liver would be. The area was also pretty swollen. not terrible but noticeable. ive just never had bloating this painful and severe. Thats why I was so scared. Could it be my liver that causes cinstipation like that?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I dont think its liver in your case

Detailed Answer:
Liver if affected can cause problem.
However I am assuming you dont have jaundice.
so I won consider it seriously just yet.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (3 minutes later)

no jaundice that I know of. I assume I would definitely notice that. is the only tou have pain in your liver when I have jaundice?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
unlikely liver problem

Detailed Answer:
see, liver problem will not come suddenly like that.
there would be other features like possible fever, jaundice etc.
So I don't think its a liver issue.
of course we can have LFT and USG abdomen done to test liver functions.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (1 minute later)

ok thank you very much. you put my mind at ease!

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
best wishes

Detailed Answer:
my best wishes
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar