Having abdominal pain and bloated feeling for five months. Could this be due to colon cancer?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had abdominal pain for five months. It is mainly under the right side ribs along the right flank. I also have some pain on the left. I feel gassy and bloated. The stomach makes some crazy noises. I was constipated for a few months, but now I have constant diarrhea. I am going to meet my gastroenterologist in a few weeks. Two years ago, I had a similar problem and pain. I had a colonoscopy at that time and that revealed nothing. Could this be due to colon cancer? My pelvic CT with contrast revealed fibroids and small ovarian cyst. My abdominal ultrasound was negative. All my laboratory tests are normal except vitamin D, which is quite low.

Answer

Dr. Ramesh Kumar S

Internal Medicine Medical Gastroenterology

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per your question, most likely it is not colon cancer. The problems are due to disturbed gastrointestinal flora.

Our gut consists of its own environment of a microorganism called gut flora. They are responsible for proper digestion of food. Once this flora is depleted by toxins released by bacteria or due to other factors, many of GI symptoms like bloating, belching, vomiting, constipation, loose stools, etc., will occur.

I would suggest you take a good probiotic for a month. It will again replenish the depleted flora. Once the flora is replenished, intestinal motility and secretions will be improved.

Tablet Pantoprazole (40 mg once daily before breakfast) will provide relief. Drink a lot of fluid and electrolytes. Along with it digestive enzymes like Papain and Amylase can be taken twice daily before taking food for a week. Silymarin a potent liver tonic can also be taken for a few days.

Apart from medicines, some suggestions are as follows:

Increase lukewarm water intake. Eat plenty of fresh oranges, pears, coconut water, vegetables, and fruits. Also, fruit juice can be taken.
Take a small amount of food once in every 2 hours. Eat low-fat and fiber-rich diet. Add more yogurt to your diet.
Avoid cold milk, junk foods, carbonated drinks, alcoholic beverages, smoking and outside foods.
Do some exercise every day as per your capacity. Try to take 20 minutes of walk daily.
Take two teaspoons of Isphagula husk with 200 to 300 mL water once while going to bed every day.

Differential diagnosis:

Disturbed gastric flora.

Regarding follow up:

For further information consult a medical gastroenterologist online.---> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist

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