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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Pain In The Upper Left Abdomen?

I have been having severe pain in my uper left abdomin, just below the rib cage for 3 years now. At first the pain was every once in a while (maybe twice a month). I would also become nuaseaed with these pains and at time vomit. Over the last four months the pains have gotten more frequent (two to three time a week) and more intense. The intensity has been to the point that it is intererring with normal daily activities. I am also still becoming nauseaed with them and voiting from time to time. Recently I have begun to have diahrrea as well when I start having pain. When the diahrrea began I also noticed that my entire abdomine seems to be cramping severly. I have been to both my PCP and a Gastrologist and had many different tests run on me several times. Both seem to be focusing on my gallbladder but every test that they do comes back negative. Any thoughts on what this could be and what I might needto suggest to m doctors that we start checking into.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 25 Jun 2014 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 25 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello
Severe pain in the left abdomen from last 3 years may be due to these possibilities , these includes.
1 The first possibility is of Peptic ulcer disease or Hiatus hernia. Diagnosis can be confirmed by upper G. I. endoscopy. Try raising the head of your bed about 4 inches with blocks. It also might help to avoid eating or drinking for 2 hours before you lie down. To control stomach acid one should not drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine in them or eat chocolates or spicy or greasy foods . Also take some antacid but in your case symptoms are ( as severe pain ) you may need drugs like proton pump inhibitors like pantaloc-D twice in day.
When such patient visit I usually prescribe them to take "REBAMIPIDE" 100 mg thrice in day for 4-6 months .
2 . The 2nd possibility is of pancreatitis as it may cause upper left abdominal pain ,which is worse when bending over or sitting. Pancreatic enzymes like serum amylase & lipase should be measured to rule out any pancreatic cause.
3 The last possibility is of any kidney stones which may present such sharp pain radiating to back. For this purpose you need to get ultrasound abdomen .I suggest you consult a physician ( 2nd opinion) and deal as above mentioned.
Hope this information will help you.
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What Causes Severe Pain In The Upper Left Abdomen?

Hello Severe pain in the left abdomen from last 3 years may be due to these possibilities , these includes. 1 The first possibility is of Peptic ulcer disease or Hiatus hernia. Diagnosis can be confirmed by upper G. I. endoscopy. Try raising the head of your bed about 4 inches with blocks. It also might help to avoid eating or drinking for 2 hours before you lie down. To control stomach acid one should not drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine in them or eat chocolates or spicy or greasy foods . Also take some antacid but in your case symptoms are ( as severe pain ) you may need drugs like proton pump inhibitors like pantaloc-D twice in day. When such patient visit I usually prescribe them to take REBAMIPIDE 100 mg thrice in day for 4-6 months . 2 . The 2nd possibility is of pancreatitis as it may cause upper left abdominal pain ,which is worse when bending over or sitting. Pancreatic enzymes like serum amylase & lipase should be measured to rule out any pancreatic cause. 3 The last possibility is of any kidney stones which may present such sharp pain radiating to back. For this purpose you need to get ultrasound abdomen .I suggest you consult a physician ( 2nd opinion) and deal as above mentioned. Hope this information will help you.