What Could Cause Abdominal Pain In Different Areas After Drinking Alcohol?

Posted on Mon, 28 Jan 2019

Question: Hello, I have a fairly sharp pain that increases with movement and increases greatly when physical pressure is applied. It is from my right flank just below the ribs (level with belly button and a little higher) and continues a few inches forward from my side (towards the belly button).

I do drink more than I like, but have started to cut back more and more (I used to drink about 6 beers a night, now I mostly only drink on the weekend but not every day)

The area with pain is indicated by the BRIGHT red area that I marked on the attached image.

I have had abdominal pain in different areas over the last year or two and have seen the doctor multiple times. I also had a liver function test and abdominal ultrasound and CT about 10 months ago.

The pain is usually on the right side but this is the first time it has been this sharp and increased so much when manual pressure is applied. Thanks

FYI I usually have some abdominal pain after drinking 4 or more drinks a night for more than one night..it usually subsides after a few days and isn't always in the same location.

Sometimes I have pain by the right shoulder blade and now right shoulder. The right shoulder blade pain is normal for me (lots of tense muscles).

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Liver, gall bladder or kidney gravels pain.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I have evaluated your query with attached image showing pain area.

* As per the narration pain seems from possible liver, gall bladder origin or referred pain of gravels in the kidney, increase amount when applied pressure suggests underlying minor swelling possibly.

* Guidelines at present
- Must stop drinking alcohol in any amount.
- Maintain hydration by drinking more amount of boiled water, lemon juice, organic tea, coffee.
- Primary relief with tab. Tylenol 3 times a day after meals along with antacid as Ranitidine.
- Avoid high amount of dairy fat and more spices in the diet.
- Get recent ultrasound examination of the abdomen & pelvis with your doctor.

* Would like to know additional details like:
- Pain alteration in relation with particular food intake.
- Associated nausea, vomiting if any.
- Any alteration in urination, bowel habits if any.

Hope this helps. Awaiting your response.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
General Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (26 minutes later)

Thanks for your initial answer.

Sometimes eating red meat (which I don't eat a lot of) causes me to have abdominal pain..possibly other fatty foods but I don't really eat fatty food besides eggs.

I just had something light to eat and felt a "burlbling"/bubbling in the same area as the abdominal pain.

No nausea or vomiting or anything else besides the pain there and possibly shoulder.

No change in urination or bowel habits. It is fairly normal for me to have a fairly upset stomach as I've had uncomfortable bowels for years.

Again, I do fairly often have abdominal pain. Alcohol seems to always trigger it every time I drink in excess, other times abdominal pain just comes and goes.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

* Possible chronic alterations in the intestine flora system giving upsets on and off.

* Additional suggestions:
- As alcohol is triggering all the time, I strongly recommend you to quit it for rest of your life (difficult but not impossible), once you do it, your body will feel amazing.
- Present diet must consist of bland, vegan items, no non-veg items should be entertained.
- Deep breathing exercises involving abdominal abs will help a lot to relieve pain.

Hope I have answered your query. Wishing you fine recovery.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel
General Surgeon

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng