What Causes Pain In Upper Abdomen Radiating To Left Side?

Posted on Fri, 5 Sep 2014

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

Fri, 5 Sep 2014 Answered on

Sat, 4 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I am experiencing abdomenal problems which is getting worse over the past few days, but has been going on generally for a few years. the past few days my stomach is aching, my upper right side aches with an ache that radiates from right to left of my abdomen just under my breasts. I have experienced bouts of nausea, my pain worsens with an empty stomach. any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Acid related inflammation most likely

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I understand your symptom. There are a couple of conditions to be considered. The first would be an acid related inflammation or a peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum. Eating something when it gets bad relieves it to some extent and this is a pointer. I would recommend an upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination for my patients. If they are unwilling a Urea breath test is an alternative. It would detect an ulcer causing organism H.Pylori. Spicy food, aspirin and stress can make acid related pain worse.
Since you also have diabetes the second consideration is an atypical presentation of a pain arising in the heart. An EKG would help in excluding that.
Till you are able to see your regular doctor and make a diagnosis, you could try antacids or a proton pump inhibitor like Nexium. If these make you feel better, it is acid related. If these do not relieve I think you should get an early appointment with your doctor.
I shall be happy to answer if you have any further query.
Wish you a good day and good health.
Dr. Noble Zachariah

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad