Left Upper Quadrant Abdominal Discomfort

[mbell]

I am a 32 yr old white female. Last fall, I had some problems with upper abdominal discomfort and extreme nausea which lasted about six weeks. I had an ultrasound which was perfectly normal and also complete bloodwork which all came back normal as well.
Then my symptoms just went away as suddenly as they had appeared. But fot the last month, I have been experiencing discomfort in my left upper quadrant. Sometimes I feel it up under my ribs, sometimes I feel it more in my back but it is constant. It is not pain, just a feeling of pressure or fullness. It's bearable and not efffecting my day to day life, I am just concerned that it is persistant and not going away.I am not experiencing any nausea or any other symptoms. My bowels are normal. Any ideas what this could be?
I do have severa asthma and have been on albuterol and steroid inhalers for many years. I know prolonged use can cause side effects but I was unsure what they were or if this could be related. Otherwise, I have been healthy. My father was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 40 so that is always a concern for me. Could I experience colon symptoms in the upper abdomen?
Any information will be appreciated.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Possible GI causes of left upper quadrant pain would include problems with the spleen as well as various causes of dyspepsia (i.e. GERD, an ulcer, or inflammation of the upper digestive tract).  Gallbladder symptoms can atypically present on the left side.

The presence of a normal ultrasound would make gallbladder disease less likely.

You can evaluate the spleen with an abdominal CT scan.  Dyspepsia can be evaluated with an upper GI series or an upper endoscopy (with the latter test being more comprehensive).

I would discuss these options with your personal physician or in conjunction with a gastroenterology evaluation.

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[paul1084]

I too have identical symptoms as you and i am worried also! i have been aware of the symptom since october 2004 (todays date being 25 may 2005) i seem to be getting nowhere with this problem because i am terrified of having a colonoscopy or endoscopy, but realise the dangers of leaving the problem untreated ! would it be possible for you to email me on ***@**** i would be extremely grateful for any communication with you on this subject, thanks ......paul.

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