General Abdominal discomfotrt and mild pains

[mikeca78]

For 5 weeks now I've been having recurrent abdominal discomfort. It's a very mild dull pain most of the time. It mostly occurs in the upper right quadrant area (especially in the lowest rib area, with pressure). It also occasionally occurs around the left upper quadrant area (particularly around the lowest rib area also). It also occurs around the umbilical area, especially right below it. I also have a sensation of mild abdominal bloating and just general abdominal discomfort a lot of the times. I've have a small right inguinal hernia. A small umbilical hernia recently appeared also a few months ago, which grew a little. I have GERD and have been taking Prilosec for a month, after experiencing burning right upper quadrant pain, which was not fully relived by TUMS tablets; the Prilosec took the burning sensation away. My discomfort sometimes disappears for hours and then returns. They mainly occur when I am moving around and mostly go away when I lay down, although it can be a little discomforting sometime when sitting down as well. Please note that all the current aforementioned pain is NOT "burning" sensation, which I previously felt, as these respective symptoms have been controlled by Prilosec. I infrequently get mild nausea as well, although I feel this might be more related to my anxiety in connection to this. This situation has given me extreme anxiety, which I realize may not be helping my symptoms. I have not lost appetite or weight, nor have do I have a significant change in bowel habits. I do not have abdominal tenderness nor do I get pain when I cough  or sneeze. I am 35 years old. I am 5'10 feet tall and weigh 220 pounds. I concerned because this is pain different from what I felt before; most of the time, it is not the type of pain that gives me the urge to go have a bowel movement or want to take pain medications, although I did have this problem before about 3 years ago when I used to drink beer on a larger scale and went thru a lot of stress.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Yes, liver gall bladder and pancreas issues can all cause pain in upper abdomen (right side in case of liver and gall bladder and center or left side in pancreas). All these can also cause bloating. So, yes, if the causes I mentioned are not responsible for your symptoms, then these conditions will have to be looked into. A clinical examination followed by certain tests are required for confirmed diagnosis. Please be in touch with your PCP. Take care!

[mikeca78]

Hi I just had one last question for clarification. So, you believe the most likely reasons for my symptoms are gas due to dieting choices, ulcers,  acidity due to acid reflux problems, or hernia--or perhaps a combination of two or more of these factors? Also, I saw my primary doctor about a week ago, who believes the cause of my symptoms are due to gallbladder problems. Can gallbladder issues give these symptoms, including occasional mild bloating sensations? Thanks.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I can understand your concerns regarding the symptoms. I feel your symptoms could be due to your diet habits as excess of gas (bloating that you have), reflux and acidity can be due to your diet habits: what you eat, timing etc. It can also be due to gastric ulcers, H pylori infection and excess acid production. Gas in abdomen causes shifting pain and worsens the bulge of hernia, which in itself cause a pulling sensation and pain.

Diabetes can cause slowing of gut and can cause bloating and hence get your blood sugar tested. It can also be due to excess consumption of food rich in sulfites like juices, molasses, yellow dye in ready made food stuffs, and red wine. Sulfites are present in lesser amounts in mashed potatoes made from dry powder, pickles, tinned shrimp, cookies, crackers, and readymade pie dough. Constipation can also cause bloating. Very sedentary lifestyle is another cause. Cancers of the gut (intestines, stomach, colon, rectum) is another cause.

It may help if you practice some lifestyle changes. Increase the fiber in the diet and start a regular exercise regimen like walking. This may help relieve the symptoms. Take a probiotic, avoid above mentioned food items, take your medications for reflux and acidity and avoid strenuous activities. Raise the head end of bed. Eat frequent small meals.

Also, you need to consult a doctor to find out if your symptoms are due to pull of hernia. Another possibility is an inflammatory bowel condition (Crohn’s, IBS, celiac, ulcerative colitis), but this is less likely as you do not have any bowel problems. However, if your stool consistency varies and you have alternate loose and tight stools then inflammatory bowel conditions should definitely be looked into. Food intolerance is another possibility. So, you need to consult a doctor and rule these out one by one by appropriate tests.

Please try an appointment with a GI specialist. Hope you get well soon! Good Luck and take care!