[62F] Experiencing left side pain and gastrointestinal discomfort

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possibilities:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Symptoms can include heartburn, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, and a sensation of a lump in your throat.

  • Treatment often starts with over-the-counter medications that control acid. If symptoms persist, your doctor might recommend prescription-strength drugs or surgery.

• Gastritis: This is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Gastritis can be caused by irritation due to excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • Treatment usually involves taking antacids and other drugs to reduce stomach acid, which can help speed the healing of the stomach lining.

• Gallstones: These are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause abdominal pain. Symptoms can include pain in your upper abdomen that quickly worsens and lasts as long as several hours, nausea and vomiting, and other digestive problems.

  • Treatment options include surgery to remove the gallbladder or medications to dissolve the gallstones.

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

  • Treatment usually involves medications to decrease stomach acid. If an H. pylori infection is causing your peptic ulcer, you'll need antibiotics.

What you can do

1. Try to identify any foods or drinks that seem to trigger your symptoms and avoid them. Common triggers include fatty and fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
2. Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than three large meals a day.
3. Don't lie down or go to bed soon after eating. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
4. Elevate the head of your bed if you regularly experience heartburn at night or while trying to sleep.
5. Don't smoke, and if you already do, try to quit. Smoking decreases the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to function properly.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain
• Bloody or black stools
• Bloody or black vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, I am an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.