Possible Liver Pain ?Cause

I have been experiencing some weeks of discomfort in ?my liver region under my R) rib cage and a little below it. It feels like a fullness and pressure with discomfort but not severe pain.  There is no gas associated with it. ONce I felt a severe pain, but only for a very short time and it left when I prayed.

I have just spent 2 years in Mozambique, Africa and had 6 attacks of Falciprium Malaria over a 5 month period,despite taking Doxycycline as a prophylaxis for nearly 18months straight.
I also take Irbesartin/Hydrochlorthaiazide 150/12.5mgs daily for high Blood Pressure. For a time I was on Pravestin, Norvasc and Asprin for Cardiac problems but am no longer on these.
I am wondering if these symptoms could be liver related and in any way connected with the above history of various drugs and Malaria I have had. I haven't had the Doxy or Malaria for six months. I took Coartem for the Malaria. Thank you for your help

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are several possibilites.  There is a possibility of your medications causing liver damage - especially the pravastatin.  A liver panel testing for AST, ALT, GGT, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin would be helpful to see if the enzymes are elevated - suggesting damage or inflammation.  

Irbesartan can also increase liver function tests as well.  

In addition to the liver function tests, I would also suggest an abdominal ultrasound, which can evaluate for liver disorders (i.e. masses or fatty liver) and the gall bladder system.

If these tests are negative, you may want to consider an upper GI workup (including upper GI series or upper endoscopy) to look for GERD, ulcers, or esophageal/stomach inflammation that can also cause upper GI pain.

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.