Suggest Remedies For Severe Pain In The Abdomen

Posted on Sat, 7 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 7 Jan 2017 Answered on

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Pain in upper stomach one hour after eating anything. Radiates to upper back. Will subside after about half an hour. Does not occur because of drinking alcohol, wine or beer. Have never had stomach issues in the past.

Answered by Dr. Vaddadi Suresh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
We need some elaboration of symptoms:

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Welcome to HCM.

Pain in the upper abdomen is caused by many diseases like gastritis, duodenal ulcer, gall stones, pancreatitis etc.

We need some elaboration of symptoms to narrow this down :

1. is the pain in the center or left/right of upper abdomen ?
2. is it relieved by any particular sleeping position like prone ?
3. have you had pain waking you up at night ?
4. How is your bowel habit, ever had fatty stools or black stools ?
5. do you experience sour breath/burps or acid re flux in the mornings ?

Please answer them for letting us understand your problem better.

Awaiting....

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Vaddadi Suresh (23 minutes later)

The pain is upper abdomen. I have just been sitting still and relaxing to relieve the discomfort. Was able just now to relieve the pain with a mint. No other symptoms other than pain radiating to upper back. Pain usually starts about an hour after eating anything. Its been doing this regularly for about a week. The pain generally subsides in about an hour. Sometimes it continues at a very low level of discomfort for an additional hour or two. No other symptoms of any kind. Bowel movement is normal. No bloating or gas issues. Historically I've always been able to eat anything I want without any issues.

Answered by Dr. Vaddadi Suresh (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
some differentials based on what you told:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Though some of my questions have not been answered, i can come to some differentials based on what you told:
1. PUD: Pain of Peptic Ulcer Disease shows similar features. You may try OTC antacids like omeprazole, pantoprazole or ranitidine for a week and see the response. Sucralfate syrup provides quick relief from your symptoms. Eat only non spicy, non hot and bland diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fruits (except citrus group).
2. Pancreatic disease: Now, this needs more aggressive treatment. You need a scan of abdomen to diagnose this. Depending on some factors, you may need admission and treatment.
I would recommend you to try drugs first( No: 1), and if there is no response in q week, i would recommend you to consult a Gastroenterologist.
ALL THE BEST.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar