Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Enlarged spleen, stomach ulcer or what?

Hello.

I'm just 25 years old, but also a heavy drinker for three years and a smoker for two years.

My problems started as loss of appetite, extremely mild nausea, a cough with mucus while after eating or while drinking and strong heartbeat. I ignored it for three months or more, until, two months ago, I could hardly eat a small meal a day because of the nausea which, after eating, was causing me to feel sick even while smelling food. I never had the burning sensation (heartburn) though.

I stopped alcohol and the symptoms slowly disappeared 15 days later, and then I checked out my heart, my blood pressure and my liver. Everything was normal. The only problem was that my spleen, although it was normal too, the doc said it's ready to get enlarged.

A few days later I started drinking again once or twice a weak and really had no problems at all during that time. A few days ago, when I started drinking everyday again, I started having loss of appetite and nausea again. I kept drinking and now I get nausea all day if I have drunken anything last night. I also have a dull ache underneath my left rib cage and diaphragm, which seems to go away while I'm walking or stretch my back. I also cough once after I eat.

I don't lose or gain weight at all, even though I have a bit of loss of appetite. I should also mention that I feel my heartbeats when I place my hand on my abdomen while I'm lying flat. I also noticed that, during the ultrasound at the hospital, all my organs seemed to be moving according to my heartbeats on the screen, but I don't know if that's normal.

So, is this the enlarged spleen I should be expecting for accompanied by hangovers due to alcohol, a stomach ulcer that should be checked so that it won't progress to perforation, or something else?

Thank you.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hi.

Well, today I thought I was better. I haven't drunken anything for two days and the nausea as long with the loss of appetite were slowly disappearing. Today there wasn't a problem at all (only a feeling of fullness after I ate - that's when I was getting nausea the other days).

The second time I ate though (and drunk too much coca cola), there wasn't nausea again, but a sudden feeling of wanting to throw up. It seemed like I was drunk and couldn't feel the stomach discomfort. I put two fingers into my mouth in order to throw up and see if I'll vomit blood or coffee grounds. Well, I didn't throw up again.

Then there was a very mild (I wouldn't even notice it if I had drunken two glasses of whiskey) but drilling pain underneath the right rib cage, and the stomach was growling. It seemed like the coca cola was burning it. That lasted about five minutes.
Helpful - 0
1711789 tn?1361308007
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi there!

Well, without knowing the relevant clinical details or a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to comment specifically on the situation. Nausea is a very non-specific symptom and could result from GI infection/ inflammation, micronutrient deficiencies, GI motility issues, o non-GI causes such as stress/ anxiety, hormonal/ endocrine imbalances, metabolic issues, micronutrient deficiencies, medication side effect etc. Spleen enlargement could result from acute/ chronic/ granulomatous infections, systemic inflammation, haematological causes, metabolic issues, portal hypertension, a few auto-immune conditions, growths/ masses/ malignancies etc. The symptoms may or may not be related to alcohol intake/ associated complications. I would suggest getting this evaluated by an internist initially and depending on the cause diagnosed/ suspected, it can be managed accordingly or specialist care may be sought.  
Hope this helps.  

Take care!  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Gastroenterology Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem