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What Does Sharp Pain Above The Navel Area Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 14 Sep 2015
Question: My 17 yr. old grandson has a sharp pain directly above his navel and just below his ribcage. Also had difficulty urinating this morning. Any idea what this could be?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
please clarify

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

the pain under the ribcage was to the left or to the right? No pain on the back? Any nausea, vomiting? Pain on the genitals? Any medical history? Does he take any drugs?

If it is right upper quadrant pain (right, under the ribcage) then it could be the gall bladder, which needs urgent assessement.
If it is the back (right or left, on the lower part of the ribcage) it could be his kidneys (renal colic), which could be associated with his urinary problem. This is also something that has to be clarified as soon as possible. If the urinary tract is obstructed somewhere, the kidneys may get into danger.

Another less common cause is pain in the stomach (usually with a burning quality). This is not an emergency in most cases but since the cause has not been identified, a doctor should see him as soon as possible.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

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

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3810 Questions

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What Does Sharp Pain Above The Navel Area Indicate?

Brief Answer: please clarify Detailed Answer: Hello, the pain under the ribcage was to the left or to the right? No pain on the back? Any nausea, vomiting? Pain on the genitals? Any medical history? Does he take any drugs? If it is right upper quadrant pain (right, under the ribcage) then it could be the gall bladder, which needs urgent assessement. If it is the back (right or left, on the lower part of the ribcage) it could be his kidneys (renal colic), which could be associated with his urinary problem. This is also something that has to be clarified as soon as possible. If the urinary tract is obstructed somewhere, the kidneys may get into danger. Another less common cause is pain in the stomach (usually with a burning quality). This is not an emergency in most cases but since the cause has not been identified, a doctor should see him as soon as possible. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!