Suggest Treatment For Abdominal Pain After Diarrhea

Posted on Fri, 12 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 Answered on

Mon, 6 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Two nights ago I had a bad case of diarrhea that was relieved by Imodium. I haven't had any further diarrhea and can eat and hold down food and liquids without problem. Yesterday morning I woke with pain i my upper left abdomen. I also have had sinus drainage and have been coughing a lot lately as a result. The left abdominal pain is fairly constant but seems worse when I cough or move. An ice pack to the area seems to relieve pain. Earlier when I coughed it sounded like something popped and the pain went away for 30 minutes or so. Now the pain is coming back.

What could be causing this?

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rib fracture or strained chest muscle.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

As you have been coughing a lot, your upper left abdominal pain can be caused by chest muscle pain or even rib fracture. Especially that ice pack has helped. Please note that in case of intestinal problems, ice pack would not be helpful.
Rib/chest muscle pain should be less noticeable when not breathing when the chest is not moving.
If you have also shortness of breath, pneumothorax is possible. This condition can appear in case of strong cough or rib fracture where the lungs tissue become ruptured so the air can appear between the lung and the thorax wall.
I suggest you to consult your doctor. Chest x-ray and ribs x-ray should be done. You should also get painkillers prescription as such pain can last for a week or two (Diclophenac would be helpful).

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (13 minutes later)

I forgot to mention that there is some slight swelling in the area jjust below the left rib cage. It is slightly tender to the touch.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
.

Detailed Answer:
Swelling can be caused by rib issue (please note that below the rib cage and to the back there are some ribs which are not attached to the sternum). If you have had any surgery in this area, hernia is also possible. Without surgery hernia is also possible but this is very rare in this area.
If there was a lump in this area before the pain has started, inflammation and abscess formation can be the reason.
In case of hernia and abscess ultrasound should be done.

Regards.

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