[25F] Experiencing upper abdominal pain and fullness postprandial

Patient Description

A 25-year-old female presents with a one-week history of upper abdominal pain described as a cramp located three inches below the sternum and one inch to the left, with a severity of 5/10. The pain is consistent and localized, not radiating. Accompanying symptoms include bloating, fullness extending to the chest, and decreased appetite, without nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills. Bowel movements are less frequent but stool is normal in appearance. The patient has a significant medical history of a c-section to remove a tumor on the left ovary, appendectomy, and Eagle syndrome diagnosed in April. No current medications or known drug allergies. The patient's family has a history of gastrointestinal diseases.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Gastritis: Inflammation of the lining of the stomach, often caused by a bacterial infection or long-term use of certain pain relievers. Symptoms can include upper abdominal pain, feeling full after eating, and loss of appetite.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and, if necessary, antibiotics to clear up a bacterial infection.

  • Peptic Ulcer: A sore on the lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. Symptoms can include a burning stomach pain, feeling of fullness, and loss of appetite.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and, if necessary, antibiotics to clear up a bacterial infection.

  • Gallstones: Hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause pain and bloating. However, this is less likely given the location of your pain.

    • Treatment may involve surgery to remove the gallbladder if the stones cause symptoms.

Please note, these are potential explanations for your symptoms, but there could be other causes. It's important to seek medical attention to get an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Make an appointment with your doctor. They can perform a physical examination and possibly order tests, such as blood tests or an endoscopy, to determine the cause of your symptoms.
  2. In the meantime, try to avoid foods and drinks that can irritate your stomach, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
  3. Over-the-counter antacids may help with the pain, but they should not be used long-term without speaking to a doctor.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

  • Vomit blood or have blood in your stool (which can appear black and tarry)
  • Experience severe abdominal pain or bloating
  • Have a high fever or chills
  • Experience unexplained weight loss

Remember, I'm an AI and while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common causes of upper abdominal pain?

Common causes of upper abdominal pain include gastritis, peptic ulcers, gallstones, pancreatitis, and sometimes heart-related issues. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

How can gastritis be diagnosed and treated?

Gastritis can be diagnosed through a physical examination, medical history, and tests such as an endoscopy or blood tests. Treatment often involves medications to reduce stomach acid and, if necessary, antibiotics to treat any bacterial infection.

What lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of peptic ulcers?

Lifestyle changes to manage peptic ulcers include avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine, eating smaller meals, quitting smoking, and managing stress. It's also important to follow any treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare provider.

When should I seek immediate medical attention for abdominal pain?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, blood in your stool, high fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, as these could indicate a serious condition.

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