[24F] Experiencing upper abdomen pain and headache

Patient Description

A 24-year-old female reports sharp and stabbing pain in the upper abdomen with a severity of 5 out of 10. The pain has been present for approximately 3 hours. The patient has not identified any measures that relieve the pain. Additionally, the patient is experiencing a headache. There is no indication of pregnancy, and no other symptoms have been reported at this time.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

  • Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining. It can cause upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating.

    • Treatment usually involves medications to reduce stomach acid and, in some cases, antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the inflammation.
  • Peptic Ulcer: This is a sore on the lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. It can cause a burning stomach pain, feeling of fullness, belching, and nausea.

    • Treatment usually involves medications to reduce stomach acid and, in some cases, antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the ulcer.
  • Gallstones: These are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause a sudden pain in the upper right abdomen or in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone.

    • Treatment can range from lifestyle changes to surgical removal of the gallbladder.
  • Pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas. It can cause upper abdominal pain, fever, rapid pulse, and nausea.

    • Treatment usually involves hospitalization for intravenous (IV) fluids, antibiotics, and medication to relieve pain.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other conditions could also be causing your symptoms.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention. While waiting for medical help, try to rest and avoid any food or drink that could be causing your stomach pain.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical help if you:

  • Have a pain so severe that you can't sit still or need to curl into a ball for relief.
  • Have yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice).
  • Have persistent vomiting or vomiting with blood.
  • Have a high fever or chills.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for your symptoms.

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1 yr ago

People Also Ask


What are the common causes of sharp upper abdominal pain?

Common causes of sharp upper abdominal pain include gastritis, peptic ulcers, gallstones, and pancreatitis. Other potential causes could be indigestion, heartburn, or more serious conditions like appendicitis or a heart attack.


How can I differentiate between gastritis and a peptic ulcer?

Gastritis often presents with a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and a feeling of fullness. A peptic ulcer may cause similar symptoms but often includes a more localized burning pain that may improve with eating or antacids. A definitive diagnosis usually requires medical evaluation, including endoscopy or imaging.


What lifestyle changes can help prevent gallstones?

To help prevent gallstones, maintain a healthy weight, avoid rapid weight loss, eat a balanced diet rich in fiber and healthy fats, and stay physically active. It's also important to manage cholesterol levels and avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for abdominal pain?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain that prevents you from sitting still, jaundice, persistent vomiting or vomiting blood, or if you have a high fever or chills. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition that requires urgent care.


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