Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Dose Drinking Causes Pain In Lower Ribcage?
Question: I am 41, white male, 5'11", 155lbs and getting a dull pain on my left side, inside of the lower ribcage that will go away in just 20 seconds or so to maybe 2 minutes. Never lasts more than a couple minutes. It will come and go maybe 4 to 6 times per day for the last two days. The feeling is the same as indigestion. I'm pretty healthy with my eating habits (typically whole foods) and drink socially. I haven't had a drink since Saturday and this started a few days later, on Tuesday. I do lift weights 2 days a week (cardio only a few times per month). Just 4 weeks ago for the first time I started drinking regular black coffee and been having between 1 to 3 cups during weekday mornings. Not sure if I should see a doctor or if laying off the coffee would be a good idea first.
Brief Answer:
Stop coffee, try antacid and PPI- consult a Doctor if no relief.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
Certainly stopping the black coffee is the first thing to do. To recapitulate:41/ Male - dull pain left inside lower rib cage - lasts 20 seconds to 2 minutes - 4 to 6 times per day for 2 days - like indigestion -
This type of a problem may be due to gastritis or colitis. If there are no other associated symptoms like bloating, any change in bowel habits or stool, nausea, radiation of the pain to other sites like back or any urinary problems, this may be related to the gastritis.
I would advise you the following:
- Stop the black coffee, any spicy foods or aerated drinks, alcohol or anything which you have noted to cause this problem.
- PPI like Pantoprazole
- Antacid liquid when you are empty stomach, about 3 hourly duration.
If there is relief, continue for about 3 weeks. If no relief or if the above medicines are prescription medicines in you country, please see a doctor and get an appointment for upper GI Endoscopy and further tests if thought to be needed by the treating Doctor.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant query if you need to or if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Please let me know if you have any other symptoms albeit related or unrelated that may help me to help you more.
Stop coffee, try antacid and PPI- consult a Doctor if no relief.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
Certainly stopping the black coffee is the first thing to do. To recapitulate:41/ Male - dull pain left inside lower rib cage - lasts 20 seconds to 2 minutes - 4 to 6 times per day for 2 days - like indigestion -
This type of a problem may be due to gastritis or colitis. If there are no other associated symptoms like bloating, any change in bowel habits or stool, nausea, radiation of the pain to other sites like back or any urinary problems, this may be related to the gastritis.
I would advise you the following:
- Stop the black coffee, any spicy foods or aerated drinks, alcohol or anything which you have noted to cause this problem.
- PPI like Pantoprazole
- Antacid liquid when you are empty stomach, about 3 hourly duration.
If there is relief, continue for about 3 weeks. If no relief or if the above medicines are prescription medicines in you country, please see a doctor and get an appointment for upper GI Endoscopy and further tests if thought to be needed by the treating Doctor.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant query if you need to or if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Please let me know if you have any other symptoms albeit related or unrelated that may help me to help you more.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
