What Causes Severe Discomfort In Upper Abdomen, Nausea And Vomiting?

Posted on Mon, 4 Apr 2016

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

Mon, 4 Apr 2016 Answered on

Sat, 4 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a famale, almost 56 yrs. old. Last Saturday night I had severe discomfort in my upper abdomen, center, just below my breast area. It was gradual, and seemed worse if I pressed on my stomach, but felt better if I applied pressure right between my breast area. At one point, I felt nauseous and vomited in the bathroom, at which point I felt a little better, but the discomfort continued and did not ease for about four hours. I never felt dizzy and felt no pain when breathing in/out. I have had these symptoms before, but seems like every 4 - 6 months and the area mentioned feels a bit sore for a few days afterward, but after that feels like nothing ever happened. Currently, I have a mild discomfort in the same area and feels like I'm not getting full oxygen, but no pain when I breathe.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestions

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I think I can help you.
The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of following possible causes.
1. a possible cardiac lesion. This needs to be ruled out. I have read your ekg is normal. I would still suggest a stress echocardiography.
2. a possible gastritis. Start a course of tab pantocid 40 mg twice a day. Ideally it needs endoscopy.
3. a respiratory tract infection. You will need to test a chest x ray.
4. pancreatitis and gall stones are rare possible causes. Get tested with a ultrasound abdomen and amylase and lipase.
Thyroid replacement should be started as adviced.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.

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

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (17 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Mittal, I had forgotten to mention that when I am doing any excercise or hard physical work I also do not have any shortness of breath, pain or discomfort, or dizziness of any kind while doing these activities. Does this change any of your recommendations?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I have same recommendation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your message.
I have considered the added information.
I would suggest the same advice again.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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