Lingering Gas and Upper Left Abdominal Discomfort Following Hepatitis A Recovery
Hello everyone, I’m a 23-year-old male and I am currently in the sixth week of my recovery from Hepatitis A. My most recent Liver Function Test results indicate the following: • ALT and AST levels are within the normal range. • Bilirubin is slightly elevated at 1.16 mg/dL. • GGT is mildly increased at 57 U/L. About two weeks back, I began experiencing persistent bloating and excessive gas, particularly after I eat. To manage this discomfort, I’ve been drinking: • Water infused with cumin and fennel. • A healthy diet consisting of rice, lentils, oats, millet muesli, yogurt, and steamed vegetables, with the exception of one cheat meal each week. • I have completely avoided alcohol, spicy dishes, and late-night snacking. Despite these efforts, my gas issues have not completely resolved. Today, following my breakfast and lunch, which included wheat toast and muesli with hot milk in the morning, and rice with vegetables in the afternoon, I started to feel a mild, dull ache in the upper left part of my abdomen, right beneath the rib cage. • There’s no intense pain, no fever, and no vomiting to report. • The sensation is more of a tight, bloated, and uneasy feeling. • I haven’t experienced any recent loose stools or loss of appetite. I’m curious whether this could simply be a natural part of the gut-liver healing process, or if it might point to an issue such as gastritis, pressure from gas in the colon, or something related to the pancreas. I found slight relief after going for a walk and sipping on some fennel tea, yet the gas has been a recurring issue for over two weeks. Has anyone else dealt with ongoing gas and localized discomfort in the left upper abdomen during or after dealing with Hepatitis A or similar liver conditions? I would greatly appreciate any insights or shared experiences. Thank you all for your help! 🙏
Answers (1)
7/17/2025, 4:02:14 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about lingering gas and abdominal discomfort, especially after recovering from Hepatitis A. Your symptoms, including bloating and a dull ache in the upper left abdomen, can indeed be related to your digestive system adjusting after liver health alterations. Let’s explore this further and focus on actionable steps to ease your discomfort.
Main Points:
- Gas and Bloating: These can be common after liver issues as your digestive system is healing. It's possible that your gut flora and digestion are still adjusting.
- Observation of Symptoms: Current symptoms seem mild (no severe pain, fever, or vomiting), which is reassuring. However, persistent issues warrant focused management.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Your dietary changes are positive, but we can fine-tune them to reduce gas and discomfort.
Explanation:
After Hepatitis A, your liver function begins to recover, but digestive issues like gas and bloating may linger due to changes in your gut's functionality or diet. The slight elevation in bilirubin and GGT indicates your liver is still healing, and it's completely normal to experience gastrointestinal disturbances during this process.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Dietary Changes:
- Gradually Reduce Fiber: While a high-fiber diet is generally healthy, beans, lentils, and certain whole grains can cause gas for some people, especially post-recovery. Consider slowly reducing these and focusing on well-cooked vegetables instead.
- Monitor Dairy: Some individuals have difficulty digesting dairy after liver issues. Try eliminating milk for a few days to see if that alleviates some gas discomfort.
- Eat Smaller Meals: Instead of larger meals, try smaller, more frequent meals to lessen the burden on your digestive system.
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Hydration: Continue to stay well-hydrated but try to drink fluids between meals rather than with meals to lessen bloating.
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Gentle Movements: Keep up with gentle walks as they can aid digestion. Consider integrating light stretching or yoga poses that encourage digestion, like the seated forward bend.
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Herbal Teas: Continue with fennel tea, and consider adding ginger tea, which can also aid digestion and soothe your abdomen.
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Keep a Food Diary: Track what you eat and any symptoms that follow. This will help you identify specific triggers for gas and discomfort.
When to Seek Further Attention:
If your symptoms worsen, such as increased pain, changes in stool appearance, or new symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), you should consult a healthcare professional.
Your proactive approach to recovery is commendable. These adjustments might help your digestive system feel more at ease as you continue to heal. I’m here if you have more questions or need further clarification!
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