What Causes Upper Left Abdominal Pain And Diarrhea?

Posted on Sun, 16 Apr 2017

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

Sun, 16 Apr 2017 Answered on

Mon, 8 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Woke during night with diarrhea for two hours. Woke ok, drank coffee, ten pain started have bad pain in my upper left quadrant, under my ribs. Sometimes moves across upper stomach. Goes away when I lie down. Comes back if I sit or sometimes when I walking takes my breath away..... I have celiac disease but this isn't my normal symptom of an attack 70 yrs. old

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible diagnosis: Pancreatitis, gastritis or intestinal infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank You for the query at HealthcareMagic

Left upper quadrant abdominal pain along with an episode of diarrhea could be due to gastritis (acid damage to stomach lining), Pancreatitis (Inflammation of pancreas) or an intestinal infection.
Confirmation of diagnosis requires a physical examination, blood test, Imaging studies like CT scan and stool analysis.
Considering your age, I would also recommend getting an EKG done to rule out any cardiac problems.

Please be advised to consult an urgent care/ Emergency room to get the proper evaluation and management.
Meanwhile, you can take Prilosec (Pantoprazole) which is a stomach acid reducer.

Hope I was able to help you
Please address further questions/ concerns here
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T