Persistent Left Side Abdominal Swelling for Six Months
I’m a 21-year-old female, standing at 5 feet tall and weighing around 100 pounds. To give some context, I have a history of digestive issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and I have previously undergone treatment for H. pylori. At present, I am not on any medication. In January, I began experiencing an increase in sharp pains that lasted for several days, accompanied by some nausea. I noticed that the left side of my abdomen appeared noticeably swollen. This swelling occurs right beneath my ribcage and has persisted for over six months now. It doesn’t subside but seems to become more pronounced after meals. My eating habits haven’t significantly changed, though I admit my diet could use improvement. Because of the nausea and discomfort, I lost about 10 pounds when these symptoms began, but I have regained some weight since then. I consulted my gastroenterologist, who tested me for gastroparesis; however, the results came back normal. I also underwent an ultrasound, which revealed no abnormalities, and my blood tests were all within normal ranges. I attempted treatment with Pepcid and Pantoprazole, but neither alleviated my pain. My doctor is uncertain about what might be causing these symptoms, leaving me feeling confused about how to proceed. I experience intermittent stomach pain on a daily basis, which has worsened compared to my regular discomfort. I am at a loss regarding what potential issues I should be considering next.
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 2:01:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with persistent abdominal swelling and pain, which is understandably concerning, especially given your history with digestive issues. It's important to clarify these symptoms further to find the right path forward for your health.
Main Points:
- Persistent Left Side Abdominal Swelling: Could be linked to various conditions, especially since you have existing digestive concerns.
- Intermittent Pain and Nausea: These could indicate an underlying issue that hasn’t been fully identified yet.
- Past Investigations: Normal results from ultrasounds and blood tests are good, but further exploration may be needed for persistent symptoms.
Explanation:
The swelling and pain on the left side of your abdomen, particularly after meals, can be attributed to several possibilities, including issues related to IBS, food intolerances, or other digestive conditions that may not show clear abnormalities in standard tests. Given your symptoms and medical history, it's crucial to continue exploring potential causes, as persistent discomfort can significantly affect your quality of life.
Next Steps:
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Dietary Adjustments: Since you've mentioned your diet could improve, try to identify any food triggers. Keep a food diary for at least a week, noting what you eat and how you feel afterwards. Consider eliminating common irritants like dairy, gluten, or high-fat foods temporarily to see if there's any change.
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Hydration and Smaller Meals: Maintain good hydration and consider eating smaller, more frequent meals. This can help ease digestive strain and may reduce swelling and discomfort after eating.
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Symptom Tracking: Document the frequency and intensity of your pain, swelling, and any other symptoms in a diary. This record can be valuable for any healthcare provider you consult next.
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Follow-Up Consultation: If symptoms persist or worsen, consider discussing further diagnostic options with your gastroenterologist. This could include tests for celiac disease, food intolerances, or even evaluating for conditions like ovarian cysts (which may not have been covered in the initial ultrasound).
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Explore Stress Management Techniques: Stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms. Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise may help manage both stress and digestive symptoms.
Remember, while it's frustrating to navigate ongoing discomfort, staying proactive about your health through monitoring and dietary adjustments can lead to better insights over time. Please take care, and don't hesitate to reach back out if you have more questions or need further guidance!
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