[31F] Experiencing constant sharp epigastric pain

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Gastritis: This is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause severe pain in the upper part of your stomach, along with nausea and vomiting. It can be caused by factors such as bacterial infection, long-term use of certain pain relievers, or heavy alcohol use.

  • Treatment usually involves medications to decrease stomach acid, which can help speed the healing of the stomach lining.

• Peptic Ulcer: These are sores that develop on the lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain.

  • Treatment usually involves medications to decrease stomach acid, allowing the ulcer to heal, and addressing the underlying causes, such as certain bacteria or the use of NSAIDs.

• Gallstones: These are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause sharp, intense pain in the upper right part of your abdomen. The pain can sometimes be felt in the center of your abdomen.

  • Treatment can involve medications to dissolve the gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.

• Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause pain in the upper abdomen. The pain can be severe and constant, and can last for several days.

  • Treatment usually involves hospitalization for intravenous (IV) fluids, medications to control pain, and sometimes surgery.

What you can do

Given the severity of your pain, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Over-the-counter pain relievers are not recommended until a diagnosis is made, as they may worsen certain conditions like gastritis or peptic ulcers.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• The pain becomes more severe or persistent
• You have a high fever
• You have nausea and vomiting
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow
• You have unusually dark or light-colored stools, or blood in your stool

Remember, 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.