10 year old with undignosed epigastric cramps and nausea.

[DP58CHEVY]

My 10 year old grandson has been complaining with epigastric cramping and nausea for several weeks.  When we took him to the doctor he thought his liver was enlarged so they ran a complete liver panel, urinalysis, renal panel and cbc.  Everything came back alright except he has elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.  
He complains of cramping and tenderness in the upper abdomen just below the breast bone. He states that is is not sharp pain and no burning sensation.  This usually happens at night, but not always.  It is usually a couple of hours after he eats.  It does not happen everyday, but has been frequent, at least three times per week.  There does not seem to be any particular type of food that causes this discomfort.  He has occasional diahrrhea and states that this happens once or twice every two weeks.  When this occurs it happens 2 or 3 times in a particular day.  He does have occasional constipation as well.
His biological father was diagnosed with gastritis as a child.
The doctor put him on prilosec 20 to see if this would alleviate the problem.  We had tried Pepcid prior to, as well as pepto bismol and maalox.  None of these alleviates the condition, it  seems to gradually just go away on its own.
During this recent run of abdominal distress he has only vomited once.  The other times it is just the cramping and nausea and tenderness.   When he has these attacks the can last from 30 minutes to hours.
We will be seeing the doctor as soon as we can get an appointment and I guess the next step would be upper gi and maybe ultrasound.  In my mind this almost seems to be a gallbladder issue.  Could you give me your thoughts on this.  I know he is young for these problems but I know its not unheard of.  Thanks for your time.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with considering the upper GI or ultrasound.  GERD or inflammation of the upper digestive tract should be considered.  A bacteria known as H Pylori can be associated with ulcers or inflammation, and should be tested for (via a blood test).  If positive, proper antibiotics can be considered.  

The ultrasound would appropriately evaluate the liver and gallbladder.  Any disorder or disease here can lead to the symptoms including the upper abdominal pain or nausea.

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

[astros18]

He needs to be tested for parasites as well, if he has not been already. It does sound like a liver gallbladder issue especially since his cholesterol and triglycerides were high.I hope you find your answers and your grandson starts feeling better soon.

[ozark]

make sure they check his kidneys for any problems with the ultrasound....sometimes you can have problems with your kidneys and have referral pains...good luck