Hello Doctor,
I experienced a major stress attack on Christmas Eve, and since then, I've been dealing with constant mild but uncomfortable abdominal pains. The pain is located above my belly button and is quite bothersome. I sometimes experience constipation, and I've noticed that regular workouts like running seem to alleviate the pain temporarily, but it returns afterwards. I feel really lost and unsure of what to do. I should also mention that I don't have access to go to the hospital due to private reasons. I just want to know if this could be something serious and what steps I should take.
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Possible Diagnosis: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Symptoms: Constant mild abdominal pain above the belly button, worsened by stress, occasional constipation
Management:
1. Regular exercise, like running, seems to help temporarily
2. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises, may be beneficial
3. Dietary modifications, such as avoiding trigger foods like dairy or high-fat foods, could help
4. Over-the-counter medications, such as antispasmodics or fiber supplements, may provide relief
Thanks
