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What Causes Intermittent Pain In Upper Right Side Of Rib Cage?
Question: I have an intermittent pain in my upper right side ... at top of rib cage and under my arm. It is sometimes quite sensitive to the touch, It seems to relate to my digestion cycle. It's worse after meals and is reduced substantially after elimination (defecation). A week ago it was practically unnoticeable; last night it kept me awake.
Brief Answer:
May be related to the Vagus nerve.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Male/78 - started a a very rare symptoms complex since 1 week which kept you awake last night - intermittent pain top of rib cage and under arm on right side and *sensitive to touch - worse after meals and reduced after defecation ....
Rare coincidence indeed and rarely heard of, does not really fit into any of hte standard text-book picture.
But this can be explained as follows.
The gastrointestinal system is governed by vagus nerve and there are twigs of the nerve that does have connections to the other nerve.
It is possible that the sensory nerve supplying the area where you have pains has connections and hence the pain is caused by full stomach as the nerve gets active and excited. Defecation causes release of tensions and hence the vagus nerve gets less discharges and hence the pain is reduced.
I would advise you the following:
Small frequent feeds/meals.
Mild laxative just to facilitate evacuation.
Control of stress and anxiety, if you have
PPI like Omeprazole, antacid liquid.
I understand this is an empirical treatment, please try this.
help of a Gastroenterologist and Upper GI Endoscopy if needed just to see what the problem may be.
I hope this answer helps you to get an early and proper diagnosis and treatment.
I have tried my best for the explanations based on anatomy and physiology of the area
May be related to the Vagus nerve.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Male/78 - started a a very rare symptoms complex since 1 week which kept you awake last night - intermittent pain top of rib cage and under arm on right side and *sensitive to touch - worse after meals and reduced after defecation ....
Rare coincidence indeed and rarely heard of, does not really fit into any of hte standard text-book picture.
But this can be explained as follows.
The gastrointestinal system is governed by vagus nerve and there are twigs of the nerve that does have connections to the other nerve.
It is possible that the sensory nerve supplying the area where you have pains has connections and hence the pain is caused by full stomach as the nerve gets active and excited. Defecation causes release of tensions and hence the vagus nerve gets less discharges and hence the pain is reduced.
I would advise you the following:
Small frequent feeds/meals.
Mild laxative just to facilitate evacuation.
Control of stress and anxiety, if you have
PPI like Omeprazole, antacid liquid.
I understand this is an empirical treatment, please try this.
help of a Gastroenterologist and Upper GI Endoscopy if needed just to see what the problem may be.
I hope this answer helps you to get an early and proper diagnosis and treatment.
I have tried my best for the explanations based on anatomy and physiology of the area
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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