Intestinal Pain

I am 54 year old female who is experiencing intestinal burning about 1-2 inches directly below my belly button. The pain gets worse the more time has elapsed since my last meal. Eating crackers and putting pressure on the area provides some relief. Along with the burning, I sometimes experience nausea. This has been going on for several years now but seems to be getting worse. I must lie down during the worst episodes which typically last many hours. I find I have to eat something every 3-4 hours, but I find it's better to avoid acidic foods.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Ther symptoms sound suspicious to gallbladder symptoms - such as gallstones.  An ultrasound would be a reasonable initial test to evaluate for this possibility.

If negative, you can consider the various causes of dyspepsia - such as an ulcer, GERD, or inflammation of the upper digestive tract.  These conditions can be evaluated with an upper GI series.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[amanda2212]

I am 27 yr. old female with burning usually right about my navel area. It is very intense and I have been to a doctor. He did an US of the Gallbladder, a nuclear medicene study of the gallbladder, an endoscope,and a small bowel follow-up. All were normal and I am still having this pain. any ideas on what could cause this? Sometimes it is so intense I am in tears and have went to the E.R before just to stop the pain.

[LAM142]

A related discussion, Burning Abdominal and Needling Pains was started.