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How Can I Tell The Difference Between Gallbladder Problems And
Question: How can I tell the difference between gallbladder problems and the stomach flu? My symptoms have been happening for two weeks.
Brief Answer:
need to get an ultrasound abdomen done.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
The easiest way is to get an ultrasound abdomen done any problem related to gall bladder like stone inflammation polyp etc would be reflected in it and for Gastroenteritis get a stool test done if it's bacterial or protozoal it would be reflected in it.
Secondly, the symptoms are totally different. Stomach flu presents with spasmodic pain in the lower and middle abdomen, loose stools, nausea, vomiting Heartburn, severe weakness.
While Gallbladder pathology would involve pain on the right upper side of the abdomen which some times may radiate to right shoulder blades. Nausea and vomiting could be there but no loose motion and lower abdominal spasmodic pains.
Lastly, usually symptoms of stomach flu resolved itself in 10to 14 days as most of the time it's viral. However if bacterial or protozoal in nature then proper medication has to be taken.
Hope I was helpful,
Feel free to follow up,
Thanks!
need to get an ultrasound abdomen done.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
The easiest way is to get an ultrasound abdomen done any problem related to gall bladder like stone inflammation polyp etc would be reflected in it and for Gastroenteritis get a stool test done if it's bacterial or protozoal it would be reflected in it.
Secondly, the symptoms are totally different. Stomach flu presents with spasmodic pain in the lower and middle abdomen, loose stools, nausea, vomiting Heartburn, severe weakness.
While Gallbladder pathology would involve pain on the right upper side of the abdomen which some times may radiate to right shoulder blades. Nausea and vomiting could be there but no loose motion and lower abdominal spasmodic pains.
Lastly, usually symptoms of stomach flu resolved itself in 10to 14 days as most of the time it's viral. However if bacterial or protozoal in nature then proper medication has to be taken.
Hope I was helpful,
Feel free to follow up,
Thanks!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you! My pains have been on my left side up towards my ribs. They come and go. I also get really lightheaded too.
Brief Answer:
follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello gain my dear patient,
Gall bladder is on the right side and pain associated with gallbladder can not radiate to left side.
The pain in the left part of the abdomen is usually in association with the digestive tract problems. Beside this, pain in the left side of the abdomen is also manifested due to problems with the reproductive organs if it involves left lower part and urinary tract in it involves flanks.
Do you feel; constipated?
Do you have gas and bloating problem/
How is your stool consistency?
Frequency of bowel moment?
Loose motion or constipation?
Medications tried?
Relieving factor?
History of nausea vomiting loose stools diarrhea?
Wats you age sex
Are you a smoker
Do you feel pain in left upper abdomen or below(behind lower ribs/
Any radiation of pain to hands?
Do pain responds to rest?Can you localise the site of pain by finger or would you use palm for it?
Reply back,
Thanks!
Please do reply.
Thanks
follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello gain my dear patient,
Gall bladder is on the right side and pain associated with gallbladder can not radiate to left side.
The pain in the left part of the abdomen is usually in association with the digestive tract problems. Beside this, pain in the left side of the abdomen is also manifested due to problems with the reproductive organs if it involves left lower part and urinary tract in it involves flanks.
Do you feel; constipated?
Do you have gas and bloating problem/
How is your stool consistency?
Frequency of bowel moment?
Loose motion or constipation?
Medications tried?
Relieving factor?
History of nausea vomiting loose stools diarrhea?
Wats you age sex
Are you a smoker
Do you feel pain in left upper abdomen or below(behind lower ribs/
Any radiation of pain to hands?
Do pain responds to rest?Can you localise the site of pain by finger or would you use palm for it?
Reply back,
Thanks!
Please do reply.
Thanks
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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