Upperleft abdominal pain almost immediately after eating

I'm a 25 year old male with no known illnesses. I'm 5ft8 and weigh 175lb.

I've been experiencing abdominal pain several times a day for the last two weeks. It's mainly in the upper left of my abdomen, just at the bottom of my ribcage and seems to be at its worst almost immediately after I've eaten. It's a sort of dull, gnawing pain. I've also been experiencing some discomfort in my sides and lower back, although this is to a lesser extent.

Three weeks ago I had diahrrea which only lasted one day, and at one point there was a small amount of mucus and blood. I went to my doctor immediately after finding the blood in my diahrrea however her conclusion was that this was probably brought on by piles - at that point I hadn't really had any stomach pains. Although the diahrrea and blood etc cleared up in one day, the abdominal discomfort hasn't.

I haven't experienced any weight loss or other noticeable symptoms - it's really just the abdominal discomfort.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Various causes can lead to your symptoms.  This can include GERD, an ulcer, inflammation of the upper digestive tract, as well as pancreatic problems.  

A reasonable workup can include an upper GI series and/or an upper endoscopy.  I would consider blood tests looking for the bacteria H Pylori.  

If these tests remain non-revealing, you can consider a CT scan to evaluate the spleen and pancreas.  

More specialized testing can include a 24-hr pH study with esophageal motility tests.

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.
kevinmd_b

[B_Johnson]

Blood and mucus with diarrhea is suggestive of an enteroinvasive bacterial infection.  Most of these are self resolving and do not require treatment.

It also sounds like you may have some degree of a gastric ulcer.  The expensive and less comfortable way around this is to make an appointment to see a gastroenterologist who will probably preform an EGD (scope of the upper digestive tract)and if he finds an ulcer will tell you to do the following:

1. Avoid spicy foods
2. Avoid caffeine/coffee
3. Avoid smoking

He will also prescribe the following:

1. Bismuth
2. a PPI (nexium ..etc)
3. an antibiotic (metronidazole)

You can avoid the extra money and invasive scoping by trying a few things your self first.

You should try the dietary modifications first as listed above.  Next, realize that:

1. Bismuth = OTC Peptobismol
2. Nexium = OTC Prevacid

If you take this medications daily for a couple of weeks and your symptoms resolve you have essentially began healing your ulcer on your own.  If you continue to experience symptoms you should see your physician and see what he recommends.

-Dr. J

[lisacarroll]

I am a 35 year old black female.  I have two kids ages 7yrs and 8 mths.  I have been having a lot of severe abdominal pain in the past two weeks.  The pain starts after I eat.  I normally drink a Red Bull in the morning for breakfast.  I do not drink alcohol. I have never smoked nor used drugs.  The pain is so severe during the day (after lunch,) I don't have an appetite for dinner.  I am also having a lot of headaches.  I do pass gas alot but not a lot of bowel movements.  My bowel does have mucus with it.  I had my gall bladder removed about 5 years ago but, still having the pains.  I am losing weight due this problem.  My mother has a nervous gastric ulcer and she says that I have the same symtoms (symptoms) as her.

Should I see a doctor or can I remedy this problem with over the counter meds.