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What Causes Pain In The Abdomen Radiating To The Back With Vomiting?
Question: Will try from here to resend. Mid May had side and stomach pains thru my waist area. I vomited Nd felt better. Pain did radiate to my back. Was sick two days. First of July got a staph type bladder infection which was tough to clear up. Told the dr about it and she said be cAreful what you eat. Got those pains again Fri night and vomited. Felt better and Sat just was nauseated and vomited once. Sunday ate a few vegs and a couple hours later vomited. Today i had the dry heaves once but feel a little better. Have not had the pain. What do I need to do or know to figure out what is giving me the pains and vomiting. I am an anxious person. Stress is big for me and try to control it. Thanks. Hope this goes thru this time.
Brief Answer:
Got the history you provided here.
Detailed Answer:
Hello -
I didn't see an attachment but did get the written history you detailed above.
The pain you had that radiated to your back in May might be related to problems with the pancreas or gall bladder. It could be due to a gall bladder stone (although this usually causes pain on the right side) or pancreatitis (which causes pain on the left side). Since this seems to be a recurring thing, I think it is time for an evaluation.
An evaluation should include
Blood work which should include:
liver enzymes and bilirubin level
amylase and lipase (which are pancreatic enzymes)
And an abdominal ultrasound which should include the gall bladder, and pancreas. If liver enzymes are elevated on the blood test, then a look at the liver during the abdominal ultrasound should be included.
Also, if you had a significant urinary tract infection, a recheck of your urine is advisable. A bladder infection that has gone into a kidney infection causes a low grade fever, nausea, and pain/aching in the area of the affected kidney (in the back near the waist).
I hope this information helps.
Got the history you provided here.
Detailed Answer:
Hello -
I didn't see an attachment but did get the written history you detailed above.
The pain you had that radiated to your back in May might be related to problems with the pancreas or gall bladder. It could be due to a gall bladder stone (although this usually causes pain on the right side) or pancreatitis (which causes pain on the left side). Since this seems to be a recurring thing, I think it is time for an evaluation.
An evaluation should include
Blood work which should include:
liver enzymes and bilirubin level
amylase and lipase (which are pancreatic enzymes)
And an abdominal ultrasound which should include the gall bladder, and pancreas. If liver enzymes are elevated on the blood test, then a look at the liver during the abdominal ultrasound should be included.
Also, if you had a significant urinary tract infection, a recheck of your urine is advisable. A bladder infection that has gone into a kidney infection causes a low grade fever, nausea, and pain/aching in the area of the affected kidney (in the back near the waist).
I hope this information helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
With pain on both sides and across the whole area from side to side, could it still be indicative of kidney gall bladder and pancreas problems pain doesnt last thru the whole episodes thru the days of sickness. Would an ulcer do this or a blocked intestine. Also i have not drank a lot of water but trying and my urine is darker than usual but is that due to dehydration of some level
Brief Answer:
Dark urine, etc.
Detailed Answer:
Dark urine (along with clay or light colored stools) can be a sign that there is a problem with the liver or gall bladder. This can happen when there is a gall stone, for example, that blocks the secretion of bile pigments into the intestines. But dark urine can also happen just from the urine being concentrated from lack of drinking enough water.
Gas in the large intestine can cause bad pains across the entire abdomen - but usually doesn't cause vomiting unless there is an obstruction in the bowel. Simethicone (Gas X) can help with intestinal gas. But if there is an obstruction, that would not help. Are you moving your bowels ok?
Stomach or duodenal ulcers usually cause pain in the area above the navel (duodenal) or left upper abdomen (stomach). Ulcers usually hurt when the stomach is empty, or after the stomach is distended with food. They can cause nausea. You can try Zantac 150 mg twice a day to see if it helps.
Without examining you, it is hard to know what is going on without being able to palpate your abdomen. I think it best for you to go in to see your doctor or to an urgent care clinic when the problem is acting up. The doctor can listen (and sometimes by doing this can tell if there is a blockage or gas), palpate (location helps narrow down what might be going on), and get a regular Xray of the abdomen (which can sometimes show if there is a blockage or gas).
While palpating, the doctor can also get an idea about if it is in the area of the gall bladder, etc.
Depending on these initial examination and tests, further things can be looked into, and an abdominal ultrasound can give a lot more information.
Dark urine, etc.
Detailed Answer:
Dark urine (along with clay or light colored stools) can be a sign that there is a problem with the liver or gall bladder. This can happen when there is a gall stone, for example, that blocks the secretion of bile pigments into the intestines. But dark urine can also happen just from the urine being concentrated from lack of drinking enough water.
Gas in the large intestine can cause bad pains across the entire abdomen - but usually doesn't cause vomiting unless there is an obstruction in the bowel. Simethicone (Gas X) can help with intestinal gas. But if there is an obstruction, that would not help. Are you moving your bowels ok?
Stomach or duodenal ulcers usually cause pain in the area above the navel (duodenal) or left upper abdomen (stomach). Ulcers usually hurt when the stomach is empty, or after the stomach is distended with food. They can cause nausea. You can try Zantac 150 mg twice a day to see if it helps.
Without examining you, it is hard to know what is going on without being able to palpate your abdomen. I think it best for you to go in to see your doctor or to an urgent care clinic when the problem is acting up. The doctor can listen (and sometimes by doing this can tell if there is a blockage or gas), palpate (location helps narrow down what might be going on), and get a regular Xray of the abdomen (which can sometimes show if there is a blockage or gas).
While palpating, the doctor can also get an idea about if it is in the area of the gall bladder, etc.
Depending on these initial examination and tests, further things can be looked into, and an abdominal ultrasound can give a lot more information.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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