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What Causes Pain In Abdomen Between Breast Bones?
Question: I have a dull achie pain in my abdomen between my breast bones. I don't have much appetite. When I am hungry the pain is worse. It is an ache and heavy pressure feeling. I feels better after eating for a while. I just had knee replacement surgery 6 weeks ago. I have taken ibuprophen and asprin. I have a heavy ache between my breast bones.
Brief Answer:
An ulcer is a strong possibility
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
Your symptoms are consistent with an ulcer. Both aspirin and ibuprofen are known to cause ulcers and stomach inflammation, and the fact you've been taking them quite awhile is very suggestive. Also the stress from the recent knee surgery can add to increased stomach acidity which can cause ulcers. The particular concern I have with use of these drugs and the symptoms you are having is that bleeding can result in your stomach. This might be very slow but could result in iron deficiency and anemia.
An ulcer might also have a more serious bleed. You need to let your doctor know about your symptoms right away and get seen. You might need studies to check for blood in the stool and for anemia, and also endoscopy to look for ulcers or gastritis. For now I recommend you stop taking the aspirin and ibuprofen. You could take antacids or something like Zantac to help with the pain, but you still need to see your doctor promptly to get this evaluated, even if the antacids help.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
An ulcer is a strong possibility
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
Your symptoms are consistent with an ulcer. Both aspirin and ibuprofen are known to cause ulcers and stomach inflammation, and the fact you've been taking them quite awhile is very suggestive. Also the stress from the recent knee surgery can add to increased stomach acidity which can cause ulcers. The particular concern I have with use of these drugs and the symptoms you are having is that bleeding can result in your stomach. This might be very slow but could result in iron deficiency and anemia.
An ulcer might also have a more serious bleed. You need to let your doctor know about your symptoms right away and get seen. You might need studies to check for blood in the stool and for anemia, and also endoscopy to look for ulcers or gastritis. For now I recommend you stop taking the aspirin and ibuprofen. You could take antacids or something like Zantac to help with the pain, but you still need to see your doctor promptly to get this evaluated, even if the antacids help.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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