[21F] Experiencing sharp abdominal and back pain postprandial

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female reports experiencing severe sharp stomach pain rated 10/10 and back pain rated 7/10 that occurs after eating and has been persisting for approximately 3 hours. The abdominal pain is more pronounced on the right side and radiates to the back. The patient finds some relief when staying still and laying down. The last bowel movement was an hour ago and appeared normal. There is no fever, chills, recent back injury, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits reported. The patient does note foggy urine and nausea. There are no other symptoms mentioned.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Gallstones: These are hard deposits in your gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. You might not even know you have them until they block a bile duct, causing pain that you need to get treated right away.

    • The pain of a gallstone attack usually has a sudden onset, is located in the upper right abdomen, and is severe. It may radiate to the back or right shoulder and usually lasts at least 30 minutes. This condition is often associated with nausea or vomiting, and the pain can be triggered by meals, especially fatty or greasy foods.
    • Treatment may involve medication to dissolve the gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.

  • Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining. The pain is usually located in the upper abdomen and may be associated with nausea and vomiting. The pain can be triggered by meals.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to decrease the stomach acid and possibly antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present.

  • Peptic Ulcer Disease: This is a condition where painful sores or ulcers develop in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Pain is usually located in the upper abdomen and can be triggered by meals. It may also be associated with nausea and vomiting.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to decrease the stomach acid and possibly antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present.

What you can do

Given the severity of your pain, it would be best to seek immediate medical attention. In the meantime, try to rest and avoid any foods or drinks that seem to trigger your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

  • If your pain becomes unbearable
  • If you start vomiting, especially if the vomit is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
  • If your stool becomes black or bloody
  • If you develop a fever or chills
  • If you notice a yellowing of your skin or eyes

Please remember that this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of gallstones?

Common symptoms of gallstones include sudden and severe pain in the upper right abdomen, pain that radiates to the back or right shoulder, nausea, and vomiting. The pain often occurs after eating, especially fatty or greasy foods.

How can gastritis be managed or treated?

Gastritis can be managed by taking medications that reduce stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers. If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. Avoiding irritants like alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAIDs can also help.

What are the signs that a peptic ulcer might be present?

Signs of a peptic ulcer include burning stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and in severe cases, vomiting blood or having black, tarry stools. The pain often occurs between meals or at night.

When should someone with severe abdominal pain seek immediate medical attention?

Immediate medical attention should be sought if the abdominal pain becomes unbearable, if there is vomiting of blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, if stools are black or bloody, if there is a fever or chills, or if there is yellowing of the skin or eyes.

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