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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Pain In The Upper Abdomen?

My 17 her old daughter jut became violently ick. She has severe stomach pain up high right under her sternum. He can t sit, lie down, stand up and is vomiting yellow stomach bile. She started feeling sick this afternoon after eating lunch. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes. She did she feels hot and can t breathe well. Gave her antacids and no relief at all. We ha a family history or gall stone and I have is pancreatitis. Do you think someone this young could have either of these conditions.
Wed, 12 Sep 2018
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

I understand your concern for gallstones or pancreatitis given the family history. In her age, though, having gallstones would be extremely rare. Pancreatitis would also be uncommon (unless she drinks a lot of alcohol or you have a genetic form of pancreatitis).

It sounds to me like she has acute gastroenteritis, which may be caused by a bacteria or a virus. In most cases, antibiotics are not necessary, and treatment is focused on relieving the nausea and vomiting and keeping hydrated. She could try something over the counter like Pepto-Bismol, and drink plenty of fluids, especially fluids with electrolytes like Gatorade.

If she is unable to keep anything down, or the pain is intolerable, she should go be seen by a doctor, to check for dehydration and other causes of vomiting. Other medications for nausea such as Zofran or Metoclopramide could also be prescribed. Later she may develop diarrhea, but unless it is bloody or she is having fevers, no antibiotics or other treatment besides the treatment described above is needed.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
General & Family Physician Dr. Aaron Branch's  Response
Hi,

I'm sorry to hear your daughter is feeling ill. I understand your concern for gallstones or pancreatitis given the family history. In her age, though, having gallstones would be extremely rare. Pancreatitis would also be uncommon (unless she drinks a lot of alcohol or you have a genetic form of pancreatitis).

It sounds to me like she has acute gastroenteritis, which may be caused by a bacteria or a virus. In most cases, antibiotics are not necessary, and treatment is focused on relieving the nausea and vomiting and keeping hydrated. She could try something over the counter like Pepto-Bismol, and drink plenty of fluids, especially fluids with electrolytes like Gatorade.

If she is unable to keep anything down, or the pain is intolerable, she should go be seen by a doctor, to check for dehydration and other causes of vomiting. Other medications for nausea such as Zofran or Metoclopramide could also be prescribed.

Later she may develop diarrhea, but unless it is bloody or she is having fevers, no antibiotics or other treatment besides the treatment described above is needed.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful

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What Causes Severe Pain In The Upper Abdomen?

Hi, I understand your concern for gallstones or pancreatitis given the family history. In her age, though, having gallstones would be extremely rare. Pancreatitis would also be uncommon (unless she drinks a lot of alcohol or you have a genetic form of pancreatitis). It sounds to me like she has acute gastroenteritis, which may be caused by a bacteria or a virus. In most cases, antibiotics are not necessary, and treatment is focused on relieving the nausea and vomiting and keeping hydrated. She could try something over the counter like Pepto-Bismol, and drink plenty of fluids, especially fluids with electrolytes like Gatorade. If she is unable to keep anything down, or the pain is intolerable, she should go be seen by a doctor, to check for dehydration and other causes of vomiting. Other medications for nausea such as Zofran or Metoclopramide could also be prescribed. Later she may develop diarrhea, but unless it is bloody or she is having fevers, no antibiotics or other treatment besides the treatment described above is needed. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician