[29F] Experiencing upper abdomen pain and vomiting

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. They can cause pain in the upper right abdomen that comes and goes, especially after eating fatty foods. The pain can be severe and can cause vomiting.

  • Treatment often involves surgery to remove the gallbladder, especially if the stones cause symptoms.

• Peptic Ulcer: These are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. The pain is often described as burning or gnawing, and it may come and go. Vomiting can also occur.

  • Treatment typically involves medication to decrease stomach acid. If a bacteria called H. pylori is involved, antibiotics are also used.

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is particularly common and is often referred to as stomach flu. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, and chills.

  • Treatment usually involves rest and rehydration. Antibiotics may be used if a bacteria or parasite is the cause.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following:

1. Rest and stay hydrated. Dehydration can make you feel worse. Try sipping on water, broth or an electrolyte solution.
2. Avoid foods that are high in fat. These can make gallstone pain worse.
3. Over-the-counter antacids may help with peptic ulcer pain. However, these should not be used long term without speaking to a doctor.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your pain becomes severe or constant
• If you develop a fever (temperature over 100.4°F)
• If you cannot keep down fluids due to constant vomiting
• If your stool becomes black or bloody

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please seek care from a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment.