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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Upper Left abdominal discomfort
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Upper Left abdominal discomfort
by jakey2, Feb 14, 2005 12:00AM
I have posted here before but I have reoccuring symptoms, I'd like your opinion.
I'm 34, female, general good health, 40 pds overweight though. Non smoker, non drinker, no family history of dieases or cancers. Dec. 23rd had CBC test done, results normal.
In October 2004 I had oral surgery, was on 800mg Ibprophen 3 to 4 times a day for 2 weeks or so. After taking I felt pain in the upper left abdominal area, if felt burning and gnawing. I thought it might be an ulcer due to pain killers. Pain went away from mid nov to mid Jan. In Jan. was taking aspirin once a day for headache, cold and chest pain. The Pain has come back. The pain/discomfort is located below breast area, near ribs and sometimes goes down to mid abdominal area. Sometimes feels like muscle spasms, and fluttering. Mainly feels like gas, bowel movents are regular sometimes loose no blood, no vomitting no lose of appeptite. The discomfort is intermittent. And goes away if I work out. I had my gallbladder removed in 98. In Dec 2003 underwent upper GI barium test, ultra sounds for lower right abdominal pain results all normal. They suspect IBS.
Questions:
1) can IBS symptoms be felt in the upper/mid left abdominal area?
2) CBC test done Dec 23 2004, (which were normal results) if this was something serious would blood test suggest something?
3) Can this be ulcers, and can ulcers cause gas, bloating and some diaherra?
4) what can cause pain in the upper left region?
Thank you
I'm 34, female, general good health, 40 pds overweight though. Non smoker, non drinker, no family history of dieases or cancers. Dec. 23rd had CBC test done, results normal.
In October 2004 I had oral surgery, was on 800mg Ibprophen 3 to 4 times a day for 2 weeks or so. After taking I felt pain in the upper left abdominal area, if felt burning and gnawing. I thought it might be an ulcer due to pain killers. Pain went away from mid nov to mid Jan. In Jan. was taking aspirin once a day for headache, cold and chest pain. The Pain has come back. The pain/discomfort is located below breast area, near ribs and sometimes goes down to mid abdominal area. Sometimes feels like muscle spasms, and fluttering. Mainly feels like gas, bowel movents are regular sometimes loose no blood, no vomitting no lose of appeptite. The discomfort is intermittent. And goes away if I work out. I had my gallbladder removed in 98. In Dec 2003 underwent upper GI barium test, ultra sounds for lower right abdominal pain results all normal. They suspect IBS.
Questions:
1) can IBS symptoms be felt in the upper/mid left abdominal area?
2) CBC test done Dec 23 2004, (which were normal results) if this was something serious would blood test suggest something?
3) Can this be ulcers, and can ulcers cause gas, bloating and some diaherra?
4) what can cause pain in the upper left region?
Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 14, 2005 12:00AM
, Feb 14, 2005 12:00AM
To answer your questions:
1) It is possible for IBS to be felt in the epigastric and left upper quadrant area.
2) If there is an ulcer leading to a severe bleed, the CBC can show a low blood count.
3) Yes, ulcers can cause gas and bloating. Unlikely for ulcers to cause diarrhea.
4) Possible causes would be an ulcer, gastritis, splenic problems, irritable bowel disease, GERD, or a non-GI problem like a lung issue.
Given the high doses of NSAID use, I would consider an ulcer or inflammation. An upper GI series would be a reasonable approach.
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
1) It is possible for IBS to be felt in the epigastric and left upper quadrant area.
2) If there is an ulcer leading to a severe bleed, the CBC can show a low blood count.
3) Yes, ulcers can cause gas and bloating. Unlikely for ulcers to cause diarrhea.
4) Possible causes would be an ulcer, gastritis, splenic problems, irritable bowel disease, GERD, or a non-GI problem like a lung issue.
Given the high doses of NSAID use, I would consider an ulcer or inflammation. An upper GI series would be a reasonable approach.
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
