What Causes Slight Left-sided Abdominal Pain?

Posted on Fri, 19 Jun 2015

Question: Hi, I am 25 years old. I have been drinking for the last 5-6 years. Recently, I have started to feel a slight pain in the left abdomen, almost negligible sometimes. And I have been observing that recently I am having gastric problems also. I suffered from jaundice about 3 years ago. Then I stopped drinking for about 6-7 months but after that again gradually I started consuming alcohol. I have finally quit drinking now, but I am having fear about my health. Please tell me what should I do now?

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please stop Alcohol completely.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
It is better to stop Alcohol completely.
As you developed jaundice few years back,your Liver is at risk of injury.
Pain in left quadrant of the abdomen could be due to some large bowel infection or pathology. If the pain is not severe, no need for investigations.
Alcoholism will lead to Gastritis.
Liv52 is a Ayurvedic medicine.You can take it.
I prescribe Proton pump inhibitor like Rabeprazole to my patients with Gastritis.
If the left abdominal pain is recurrent, I prefer an Ultrasound abdomen.
Please avoid outside food to prevent infection of the large bowel.
Hope I answered your query. If you have any questions, I will clarify further.
Wish you good health.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (2 days later)

The pain in my left abdomen is not severe and is also not recurring. It happens only sometimes. And since I have quit drinking, the problem has almost stopped arising. It has happened only once or twice after that. And I have noticed it occurs only when I intake junk food or rich masala food or else if my stomach is empty. It seems like the pain formation is followed by gas formation in my stomach. If it is due to gastritis, do you suggest me taking Rabeprazole or should I avoid taking any medicine now as the pain is tolerable. If no medicines, should I follow any home treatment and avoid any food.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please take Rabeprazole for 2 weeks.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
It is clear that the pain is due to Gastritis.
Please take Rabeprazole tablet for 2 weeks.Let the pain totally subside.
Avoid outside food and Masala foods.
Please take less spicy food in your house.
Wish you good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (5 days later)

Can you please specify the dosage of the tablet and whether it is to be taken before or after food. Also can I get the medicine without any prescription from a local pharmacy store.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rabeprazole 20mg tablet to be taken before food.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Rabeprazole 20mg tablet has to be taken half an hour before breakfast.
It is a prescription drug.
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. Shanthi.E