What Causes Pain In Upper Left Side Of Abdomen?

Posted on Fri, 2 May 2014

Question: My upper left side where my rib cage hurts and in the middle of rib cage hurt. I have nausea, almost for five days. Sometimes it's hard to breath. I am not pregnant. Nothing really has helped. I used essential oils peppermint for nausea and herbal teas for stomach pain. My period should start in about four days, so I do have cramp on lower stomach, but I don't think my upper stomach and nausea is related to my monthly cycle. I am 36 years old, about 160 lbs. No stress.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Gastric flu / gastritis Detailed Answer: Hi, The upper left side of your abdomen contains your spleen, your stomach and part of your large bowel. As your symptoms are associated with nausea I think it is likely related to your stomach. There is a lot of gastritis and gastric flu going around at the moment, this would be the most likely cause of your symptoms. It could be that you have a hiatus hernia or a gastric ulcer that is responsible for your pain and nausea. This diagnosis can be made on a barium swallow and / or a gastroscopy. I would wait it out for another few days before making an appointment to see you family Dr so he can examine you and make appropriate investigations. best wishes l

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (21 minutes later)

Anything i ca take to ease the nausea or pain. Can i tak pepcid help?e

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes you could try some antacid medication. Detailed Answer: Hi, You could try an acid reducing drug such as ranitidine or olmeprazole, but ultimately if your symptoms persist you should go to your treating doctor. He can do some further tests. If you have an ulcer in your stomach then this can be caused by a bacteria and you may require a breath test to diagnose and then antibiotic treatment as well as the antacid may be required. This could still be gastritis that will settle by itself over the next few days. Best wishes,

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T