[30M] Experiencing acute upper stomach pain

Patient Description

A 30-year-old male reports acute onset of burning pain in the upper stomach that began around 2 am the previous night. The pain is described as a 6 out of 10 in severity and is alleviated somewhat by standing up. Pain intensifies when lying down on the right side, but does not radiate to other areas. The patient has had several liquid bowel movements, with no clear recollection of the last one, and no blood present in stool or vomit. There are no accompanying symptoms such as fever, chills, weight loss, or decrease in appetite. The patient has no known drug allergies, no pre-existing conditions, and is not currently on any medications.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

Gastritis: This is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause a burning pain in the upper abdomen. It can be caused by various factors, such as infection, long-term use of certain medications, or excessive alcohol consumption.
- Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and, if applicable, antibiotics to treat an infection.
Peptic Ulcer: This is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, upper small intestine, or lower esophagus. It can cause a burning stomach pain, especially when your stomach is empty. The pain might be temporarily relieved by eating certain foods that buffer stomach acid or by taking an acid-reducing medication.
- Treatment usually involves medications to reduce stomach acid and, if applicable, antibiotics to treat an infection.
Gallstones: These are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause sudden pain in the upper right abdomen. The pain may sometimes radiate to the right shoulder or back.
- Treatment may involve surgery to remove the gallbladder, medications to dissolve the gallstones, or lifestyle changes.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This acid reflux can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause a burning pain in the upper abdomen.
- Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor, so these are just possibilities based on the symptoms you've reported. You should seek care from a real health professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment if appropriate.

What you can do

In the meantime, you can try the following to help alleviate your symptoms:

Avoid foods and beverages that can irritate your stomach, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals a day.
Don't lie down or go to sleep immediately after eating. Wait at least three hours after eating your last meal of the day before going to bed.
Over-the-counter antacids may help, but these should not be used long-term without consulting a healthcare provider.