[36F] Experiencing severe abdominal pain, bloating, and back pain

Patient Description

A 36-year-old female presents with severe pressure-like and gnawing abdominal pain centered above the belly button and under the breast bone, which has been persistent for approximately 3 hours. The pain is rated 8 out of 10 in severity and is accompanied by bloating and a dull ache in the middle of the back, rated 4-5 out of 10, which worsens at night. The patient also reports mild acid reflux, characterized by regurgitation of stomach acid instead of burping, and has been experiencing this alongside the abdominal pain and bloating. The patient has a history of intermittent stomach pain over the past 2 years but has not been diagnosed with any specific condition. No allergies or adverse reactions to medications have been reported, and the patient is not currently taking any medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Gastritis: This is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause pain in the center of your abdomen, bloating, and back pain. The gnawing sensation you described is also a common symptom of gastritis.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and inflammation, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding spicy foods and alcohol.
  • Peptic Ulcer: This is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. The symptoms can be similar to those of gastritis, and can include a gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or at night, bloating, and back pain.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding spicy foods and alcohol.
  • Gallstones: These are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause pain in the center or right of your abdomen, back pain, and bloating. The pain is often severe and steady, and can radiate from your abdomen to your back.

    • Treatment can range from watchful waiting for asymptomatic gallstones, to surgery for symptomatic gallstones.
  • Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause pain in the upper abdomen, back pain, and bloating. The pain often gets worse after eating and can feel like it's radiating to your back.

    • Treatment typically involves hospitalization for pain management and hydration, and avoiding alcohol and gallstones, which are common causes of pancreatitis.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the symptoms you've described, and not a definitive diagnosis. You should consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

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

  1. Avoid foods and drinks that irritate your stomach, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
  2. Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals a day.
  3. Try over-the-counter antacids to neutralize stomach acid.
  4. Rest and avoid heavy physical activity, which can worsen abdominal pain and back pain.

What you should look out for

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

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in your stool or vomit
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of gastritis?

Common symptoms of gastritis include a gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating.


How can peptic ulcers be treated effectively?

Peptic ulcers can be treated with medications that reduce stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2-receptor antagonists, and medications that protect the stomach lining. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, and smoking, can also help.


What lifestyle changes can help manage gallstones?

To manage gallstones, it is recommended to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, avoid rapid weight loss, and limit intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods.


What are the warning signs of pancreatitis that require immediate medical attention?

Warning signs of pancreatitis that require immediate medical attention include severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back, fever, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, and tenderness when touching the abdomen.


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