Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
next step
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.

next step

by bram, Dec 07, 2004 12:00AM
I have had unexplained pain in my right flank area (front & back) for nine months (and for a few months 2 years ago).  I've had several test and scans.  My doctor just tested my for H.Pylori and it came back slightly elevated.  He recommended either and endoscopy for a biopsy or taking medication.  I'm not excited about an endopscopy or taking medications if I don't need to.  Should I go ahead with one of these options even if the level is just slightly elevated? Which would you recommend? And, could this cause my pain in the right flank area?

by Kevin Pho, MD, Dec 08, 2004 12:00AM
H Pylori may cause pain in the right flank.  If the test is positive, it is reasonable to consider treatment.  Medication typically consists of a proton pump inhibitor (i.r. Protonix or Prilosec) and two antibiotics.

Other things, like irritable bowel disease, kidney disease, gallbladder or liver disease, or appendicitis can also cause pain in the right flank.  You may want to ensure there is nothing more serious (i.e. a CT scan and/or ultrasound can be considered) before settling on the H Pylori diagnosis.  

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Continue discussion
RSS Expert Activity
Cataract, Removal, Artificial Lens,...
12 hrs ago by Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.
7 Ways to Reduce Stress During the ...
Dec 07 by Steven Y Park, MD
What You Can Learn From Tiger Woods...
Dec 04 by Steven Y Park, MD