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What Causes Pain In Upper Abdomen Under The Ribs?
Question: I have pain in the upper part of my abdomen, right under the end of my ribs. It has lasted for 3 days and I am very uncomfortable. Could it be a gallbladder attack or a duodenal ulcer? How can I tell?
Brief Answer:
Detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Yes it can be an ulcer or gallstones. Gallstones pain is usually in the upper right abdomen and radiates to the back. Nausea is very characteristic.
Peptic ulcer pain is more in the upper middle abdomen and does not radiate to the back.
Both kind of pain are triggered by food intake.
For gallstones diagnostics abdominal ultrasound needs to be done. Peptic ulcer can be diagnosed with gastroscopy.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards
Detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Yes it can be an ulcer or gallstones. Gallstones pain is usually in the upper right abdomen and radiates to the back. Nausea is very characteristic.
Peptic ulcer pain is more in the upper middle abdomen and does not radiate to the back.
Both kind of pain are triggered by food intake.
For gallstones diagnostics abdominal ultrasound needs to be done. Peptic ulcer can be diagnosed with gastroscopy.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
It sounds to me like I have a peptic ulcer. I do not want to go to a doctor since whenever I go I only see a PA, in whom I have no confidence. What can I do to alleviate the pain other than antacids?
Brief Answer:
.
Detailed Answer:
Well, peptic ulcer is a kind of wound. As there is an acid in the stomach, it is the main reason of this wound. So without blocking acid secretion, this wound can not be healed. That is why antiacids (know as PPIs) are extremely necessary to heal any ulcer. And there is one more thing. Many cases of peptic ulcers are caused by H.Pylori infection. In case of such infection antibiotics along with antiacids are necessary.
To help with the pain (without antiacids) you should change your diet. Avoid any fatty foods, spicy foods, alcohol, coffee (very important), orange juice, chocolate.
Regards.
.
Detailed Answer:
Well, peptic ulcer is a kind of wound. As there is an acid in the stomach, it is the main reason of this wound. So without blocking acid secretion, this wound can not be healed. That is why antiacids (know as PPIs) are extremely necessary to heal any ulcer. And there is one more thing. Many cases of peptic ulcers are caused by H.Pylori infection. In case of such infection antibiotics along with antiacids are necessary.
To help with the pain (without antiacids) you should change your diet. Avoid any fatty foods, spicy foods, alcohol, coffee (very important), orange juice, chocolate.
Regards.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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