stomach ache with loose motion - #20178
I am feeling pretty uneasy right now and just not sure what’s going on with my health. A few days ago, I started having this stomach ache with loose motion, and at first, I thought it was just something I ate, but it kinda just keeps happening. It’s like I'll have this dull pain in my abdomen, then out of nowhere, I’ll rush to the bathroom and yeah, loose motion follows. The other day I felt like I was chained to the restroom and was just sooo frustrated! I also noticed that I’ve been feeling really bloated, and when I try to eat anything, it's like I can’t hold it down. I went to the doctor yesterday, and they did some tests, but all the results were normal. I keep wondering if it’s something I should be more worried about, like is this normal stomach ache with loose motion or should I be looking for other symptoms? Has anyone else experienced something similar? What did it turn out to be? The doctor suggested maybe just trying to eat bland foods, but honestly, I'm a little scared it could be something more serious or just... ugh, like chronic! Any thoughts?
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Doctors' responses
Stomach aches accompanied by loose motion can indeed be frustrating, but they’re fairly common and often result from a range of causes. It’s understandable you’re seeking more insight, especially with persistent symptoms like these. Given your description — abdominal pain, loose motion, bloating, and difficulty holding down food — some common causes might include dietary indiscretions, infections (like viral or bacterial gastroenteritis), or inflammatory conditions. Since your doctor performed tests and they came back normal, that’s a positive sign that it may not be something immediately concerning. However, if symptoms are persisting or worsening, it’s important to continue monitoring for certain red flags. If you experience high fever, blood in your stool, persistent vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or severe dehydration, these would warrant more immediate medical attention. Meanwhile, sticking to bland foods can be a good place to start — consider foods like rice, bananas, toast, or applesauce, often referred to as the BRAT diet. Staying hydrated is critical, especially if you’re experiencing frequent loose stools. Oral rehydration solutions are beneficial to replace lost electrolytes. Over-the-counter probiotics might also help in restoring your gut flora balance, though it’s best to discuss any dietary supplements with your healthcare provider. It’s worth re-evaluating any recent dietary changes, stress levels, or new medications that could potentially contribute to these symptoms. If they’re ongoing, another follow-up with your physician might help, potentially leading to a referral to a gastroenterologist if needed. While it’s wise to be cautious and attentive, try not to jump to the worst conclusions before more information is available - take it one step at a time.
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