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Can Quitting Smoking Lead To Severe Pain In The Rib-cage?
Question: Hi
I have been smoking for one and a half years now(12 to 14 cigarettes a day) and I quit smoking 4 days ago. I have been experiencing pain in my lower left rib cage since yesterday. Also, the region below my belly button hurts. Can you please tell me what may be the probable cause for the pain? Thank you!
I have been smoking for one and a half years now(12 to 14 cigarettes a day) and I quit smoking 4 days ago. I have been experiencing pain in my lower left rib cage since yesterday. Also, the region below my belly button hurts. Can you please tell me what may be the probable cause for the pain? Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Please provide some more information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question.
Congratulations for quiting smoking. Keep going.
Of course I can tell which is the cause of the pain that you have. But I will need some information about it.
- How can you describe the pains (both the one in your rib cage and the one in your belly button)? ...burning, sharp, heavy feeling, ect.
- Are they constant since yesterday?
- Do you have any other symptoms like fever, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, ect?
- Have you changed your diet recently, due to quiting smoking too?
- Are the medicines that you are taking helpful?
Each of these questions will give more information to lead me to the most possible cause of those pains, so then I can advise a treatment. If you have any more relevant information that you want to add, it surely will be more helpful.
Looking forward to your follow up question.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Please provide some more information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question.
Congratulations for quiting smoking. Keep going.
Of course I can tell which is the cause of the pain that you have. But I will need some information about it.
- How can you describe the pains (both the one in your rib cage and the one in your belly button)? ...burning, sharp, heavy feeling, ect.
- Are they constant since yesterday?
- Do you have any other symptoms like fever, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, ect?
- Have you changed your diet recently, due to quiting smoking too?
- Are the medicines that you are taking helpful?
Each of these questions will give more information to lead me to the most possible cause of those pains, so then I can advise a treatment. If you have any more relevant information that you want to add, it surely will be more helpful.
Looking forward to your follow up question.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thanks Klarida! 1) The pains are bearable with light discomfort if.I don't touch.the 2 regions. but it's sharp when I touch them and it's like a needle prick.
2) Pain has been constant since yesterday. I.had pain in lower right rib also yesterday.but not today. Now, the pain is lower/middle-left rib cage and the.region on either sides below the belly button
3) no other symptoms like.diarrhoea or vomiting or fever or constipation. everything else is Normal. I quit smoking Monday night and I.started feeling slight discomfort from Wednesday late night.
4) I have been having normal diet only which consists of rice and some bread. I was on ketogenic.diet(no carb diet).3 months back for a month but I'm back to normal diet since the beginning of July. one question- im planning to.start ketogenic diet.again in the near future to shed some pounds. what would be your advice?
5) I've been having these medicines only from this afternoon and I am.having XXXXXXX seltzer too for heartburn+gas. No noticeable difference so far.
my question is - What should I.do now? I read in the internet.that.some.people experience digestive side effects after smoking cessation.
Lastly, if at all I.decide to visit a doctor in person, whom should I.visit? A gastroenterologist? I am not.sure. Can you please help with answers to all my concerns ?
Thanks!
2) Pain has been constant since yesterday. I.had pain in lower right rib also yesterday.but not today. Now, the pain is lower/middle-left rib cage and the.region on either sides below the belly button
3) no other symptoms like.diarrhoea or vomiting or fever or constipation. everything else is Normal. I quit smoking Monday night and I.started feeling slight discomfort from Wednesday late night.
4) I have been having normal diet only which consists of rice and some bread. I was on ketogenic.diet(no carb diet).3 months back for a month but I'm back to normal diet since the beginning of July. one question- im planning to.start ketogenic diet.again in the near future to shed some pounds. what would be your advice?
5) I've been having these medicines only from this afternoon and I am.having XXXXXXX seltzer too for heartburn+gas. No noticeable difference so far.
my question is - What should I.do now? I read in the internet.that.some.people experience digestive side effects after smoking cessation.
Lastly, if at all I.decide to visit a doctor in person, whom should I.visit? A gastroenterologist? I am not.sure. Can you please help with answers to all my concerns ?
Thanks!
Brief Answer:
I would suggest to better see a GP
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up question.
I think the pain may be related with the bowel and stomach. The bowel is very sensitive to this changes.
For this reason I suggest that you continue with the medicines that you are taking and also add Omeprazole 20mg or Lansoprazole 15 mg.
If worse or not better, by the time you get this answer, I would recommend going to the ER or seeing a GP who can examine you and decide where to refer you, if needed. What specialist you would need it depends on your country because in some countries these issues are covered by a general surgeon and in other countries by a gastroenterologist.
About the ketogenic diet. I think it is a good diet to lose weight, but very difficult to keep it. So for me, the best thing to do to lose weight in a healthy way and with persistent results, is to make healthy eating with a small calorie deficit, a way of living. It is slow but steady. Combine that with some cardio and exercising if possible.
I hope I have answered all your concerns.
Let me know if you have other questions or concerns.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
I would suggest to better see a GP
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up question.
I think the pain may be related with the bowel and stomach. The bowel is very sensitive to this changes.
For this reason I suggest that you continue with the medicines that you are taking and also add Omeprazole 20mg or Lansoprazole 15 mg.
If worse or not better, by the time you get this answer, I would recommend going to the ER or seeing a GP who can examine you and decide where to refer you, if needed. What specialist you would need it depends on your country because in some countries these issues are covered by a general surgeon and in other countries by a gastroenterologist.
About the ketogenic diet. I think it is a good diet to lose weight, but very difficult to keep it. So for me, the best thing to do to lose weight in a healthy way and with persistent results, is to make healthy eating with a small calorie deficit, a way of living. It is slow but steady. Combine that with some cardio and exercising if possible.
I hope I have answered all your concerns.
Let me know if you have other questions or concerns.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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