Sharp Pain under right ribcage when burping and after eating spicy food

[grumpy1]

Hi,
  This morning when I woke up a noticed a sharp pain just under my right ribcage which was mostly felt when I burped.  Sometimes the pain would be in the middle of my chest where the stomach connects to the esophagus but mostly on the right side below the ribcage and will radiate in my back at the same spot. The night before I had a real light dinner and had about 4 glasses of wine. The pain went away after a couple hours of being awake and having cereal, toast and a banana for breakfast.  This afternoon I had some mexican food which was slightly spicy and now the sharp pain is back.  What could this be?  Is it an ulcer, gas, or something else?  Is it from drinking wine on a fairly empty stomach the night before?  Ive never really had this before, at least not this sharp of a pain.  It almost feels like when you are running and you get that terrible sharp cramp underneath your ribcage....Any help would greatly be appreciated.

THanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would evaluate for various causes of dyspepsia, such as an ulcer, inflammation or GERD.  

An upper GI series, or if you want a more comprehensive study, an upper endoscopy, would be the recommended approach.

You can consider blood tests also to evaluate for a bacteria known as H Pylori - which can be responsible for inflammation and/or ulcers.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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 Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd

[grumpy1]

Just wanted to add that I am 34 years old and in good health...