Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Is The Difference Between Stomach Ulcer And Gall Bladder Disease?
Question: How would I know the difference between a stomach ulcer and gallbladder disease. My symptoms are: dull ache under right breast (going on five years...first noticed when pregnant), visible (sticks out half an inch) muscular spasms in the dull ache chest area (four times since June), unbearable stomach gassy cramps that last hours before and sometimes after eating, almost daily headaches, back pain, fatigue, last week had three whitish gray stools but only three. Had a gallbladder ultrasound in XXXXXXX and normal. Could it still be gallbladder related?? If ulcer or gallbladder, is it okay to wait it out until more subtle symptoms??
Brief Answer:
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Stomach ulcer causes gnawing /burning pain in the upper abdomen which may get relieved with food intake or taking medications like prilosec/antacids.
An upper GI endoscopy would confirm it.
Gallbladder disease would cause dull pain in the right upper quadrant which may radiate to the right shoulder or right shoulder blade. If it is due to gallstone or cholecystitis, it will be revealed in the ultrasound scan. If it is due to poor functioning of gallbladder it will be revealed in the HIDA scan.
You can get these tests done to see whether it is due to ulcer or gallbladder disease.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.Ratnakar Kini
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks so much for your reply. Should I be concerned for my health then? Should I worry about the stool discoloration or not since it was only three times the whitish color? THANKS SO much for helping me!!!
Brief Answer:
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me with more questions.
You need not worry about your health.
If the symptoms are persisting, you can get the tests done which I have mentioned in my previous post.
Since you had discolored only three times and that too only last week and now having only normal stool, there is no need to worry.
But if your urine is yellowish and you have generalized itching, get your liver function tested.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.Ratnakar Kini
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have had very yellow urine (neon at times) for the last week but thought maybe just not drinking enough or my multi-vitamin (Alive) but never noticed how yellow until this past week as my headaches and back pain are new. How yellow are we talking about for the urine? And would I know the difference? Can you tell I am trying to avoid going in for more tests? :( Thank you so much! I apologize for so many questions!!! I am so glad I found this site though!
Brief Answer:
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me with more questions.
Yes, concentrated urine can appear yellow.
Drink lot of water and see if the yellow urine still persists.
If it persists, then you may have to go for tests.
We cannot decide on the degree of yellow color to decide on going for more tests.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.Ratnakar Kini
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
