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What Causes Upper Left Abdominal Pain, Belching And Loss Of Appetite?
Question: My 84 year old mother, diagnosed with Alzheimers (early), is complaining of sharp pain in upper left side of abdomen, belching, sudden loss of appetite. Just before pain started she had a voracious appetite, but pain took her appetite. Pain she first says is intolerable, but then seems to be able to tolerate. Took Tylenol one hour ago, pain may have lessened some, but still there.
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
While I can't say what is going on definitively without being able to examine her, sharp pain in the upper left abdomen with belching is most commonly due to acid reflux into the esophagus or stomach irritation that has caused hyperacidity. Gas pain can also be intense and feel like sharp pain - this is usually gas in the left side of the intestines.
You can try a couple of things - both are over the counter:
Zantac 150 mg taken twice a day.
Zantac is an H2 blocker and it reduces acid by about 70%, allowing the stomach and esophageal lining to heal. It is a safe medication. Depending on how long she has had the pain, she may only need to take this for a few days, or for a few weeks.
Simethicone (GasX): this helps break up gas into smaller bubbles and relieve the intestinal distention that larger gas pockets can cause. It can be used as needed.
For now, avoid giving your mom foods that are high in acid, such as citrus and tomatoes. And avoid spicy things just right now. Also, no peppermint as it relaxes the lower esophageal which can increase reflux if it is already occurring. And avoid very large meals although this doesn't sound like it would apply as her appetite is down right now.
If these things do not help, or if the pain gets worse, or if she vomits blood or something that looks like coffee grounds or has black, tarry stools, then take her in to the ER. But I think she may get relief from the Zantac and Simethicone.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
While I can't say what is going on definitively without being able to examine her, sharp pain in the upper left abdomen with belching is most commonly due to acid reflux into the esophagus or stomach irritation that has caused hyperacidity. Gas pain can also be intense and feel like sharp pain - this is usually gas in the left side of the intestines.
You can try a couple of things - both are over the counter:
Zantac 150 mg taken twice a day.
Zantac is an H2 blocker and it reduces acid by about 70%, allowing the stomach and esophageal lining to heal. It is a safe medication. Depending on how long she has had the pain, she may only need to take this for a few days, or for a few weeks.
Simethicone (GasX): this helps break up gas into smaller bubbles and relieve the intestinal distention that larger gas pockets can cause. It can be used as needed.
For now, avoid giving your mom foods that are high in acid, such as citrus and tomatoes. And avoid spicy things just right now. Also, no peppermint as it relaxes the lower esophageal which can increase reflux if it is already occurring. And avoid very large meals although this doesn't sound like it would apply as her appetite is down right now.
If these things do not help, or if the pain gets worse, or if she vomits blood or something that looks like coffee grounds or has black, tarry stools, then take her in to the ER. But I think she may get relief from the Zantac and Simethicone.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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