Pain and Burning+Mouth Ulcers

  I have had pain in my abdomen below my ribs on the left side
  for about 3 to 4 weeks.  In the last week, I have additionally
  had burning in my throat and stomach.  I had an abdominal
  sonogram and there was no abnormality.  My doctor is prescribing
  me Prilosec.  Do you think further testing is needed? Upper GI?
  Also, I have developed blisters/sores on my tongue and throat.
  My doctor has not seen these yet, but I told him about them.
  He thinks they are viral.  What do you think?
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Dear John V,
An empiric trial with prilosec for your abdominal pain is appropriate.  If symptoms persist after 4 weeks of treatment or f symptoms recur after the medication is stopped, then you should have further investigations.  Alarm sympotoms that require immediate evaluation in clude weight loss, vomiting, GI bleeding.  The first step in workup would be an upper endoscopy.
The blister sores on your tongue may represnet viral infection or local trauma.  Gastrointestinal disease e.g. Crohn's Fisease can have blister formation.  If the blisters persist or the number of blisters increases, then you should visit with your doctor.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always ask specific questions to your personal physician.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords; abdominal pain, aphthous ulcer
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