What Causes Sudden Cramps In The Upper Abdomen And Nausea?

Posted on Sat, 11 Mar 2017

Question: I've had GI problems in the past. I had my galbladder {with stones} removed along with appendix years ago. Also a hysterectomy, with both overies removed. Ive recently had both a colonoscopy and a endoscopy done. All ok. I was not having this upper stomach (right below where my ribs connect in center of chest) discomfort / pain. It started all of a sudden last night. all of a sudden, sharp pain, crampy, bloating feeling in upper stomach at zyphoid area. Went to bed. Today, wasn't too bad when I got up, then as the day progressed, it got worse. I've had pancreantitis in the past. I just don't know if its back, anxiety, or 'sour ' stomach. This type of discomfort since last night (sometimes just noticable, other times extream sharp pain - I come close to tears) just has not lasted this long before. no fever, just a little nausea once in a while. Sorry for spelling errors.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Gastritis associated with gastro esophageal reflux and heart burn.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for choosing HCM
The problem you are having is most likely due to gastritis associated with Gastro esophageal reflux.Retrosternal chest heaviness and pain associated with burning sensation is termed as heart burn.Heart burn is a form of indigestion felt as a burning sensation in the chest, caused by acid regurgitation into the oesophagus.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the most common cause of heartburn. In this condition acid reflux has led to inflammation of the esophagus.

Differential diagnosis-Retrosternal chest discomfort is also a classical feature of angina hence a EKG should be done to rule out possible involvement of coronaries.
Treatment-
Antacids that neutralize stomach acid. Antacids, such as Mylanta, Gelusil and Tums, may provide quick relief.A combination with local anaesthetic like Mucaine gel would provide better symptomatic relief.
Stop prilosec and switch to Neksium 40mg twice daily,doses can be increased to 80mg twice daily(after consulting your gastroenterologist)
Ask your gastro to add domperidome 30mg once daily.
If still not relieved
Acotiamide 100mg thrice daily before food can be added to regimen,It is used for the treatment of upper abdominal bloating, and early satiation due to functional dyspepsia.

Some general precautions are
Drink COLD milk.
Avoid juices they contain a lot of citic acid.
Drink plenty of water.
No smoking or alcohol.
Add lots of curd and yoghurt to your diet.
Take a over counter probiotic daily.
Eat lot of vegetables and fruits.
Avoid spicy,oily and fried food.

Thanks.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana