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What Causes Sharp Upper Abdominal Pain Radiating Towards Back And Bumps On Back?

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Posted on Wed, 5 Aug 2015
Question: Hi, having sharp pains in upper abdomen on left side and to the back - this is the 2nd day. Feels like it's in muscle and there are several bumps in the back and front similar to mosquito bites that are slightly itchy. Could it be shingles? I thought it was gas as I have a lot of burping. Gall bladder has been removed. Am away on vacation right now.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
sounds like shingles

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
.

The gas/bloating and the rash are likely unrelated. The gas/bloating may be due to different causes including constipation, carbonated drinks, reflux, use of gas producing foods such as broccoli, cabbage, beans, turnips etc.

The rash does sound like shingles from your description of a itching rash with associated bumps and some discomfort.

Shingles can occur in anyone with a previous history of chicken pox.

Pain medication is used to help with the discomfort and antihistamines or topical creams such as calamine would help with the itching.

There is a shingles vaccine but this is normally not given at your age.

Shingles can result in previously unexposed persons developing chicken pox but only if they come into contact with the lesions.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (10 minutes later)
could it be pancreatitis - did have that when gall bladder was removed - 4 years ago. I'm burping a lot but not nauseus - pain is mostly under left breast - sharp pains and feel like i'm bruised.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
pancreatitis not normally a cause of bloating

Detailed Answer:
HI

Pancreatitis can cause pain but not normally bloating or excess gas.

Gas /bloating would be related to the mouth, stomach, intestines because they form part of the gastrointestinal tract where food/drink/food products would exit or enter.

If the pain is severe then you should be assessed by a doctor in the area, checking both the abdomen and chest.
In some persons pain related to the chest can be felt in the upper abdomen.

If the pain is in the exact area of the rash then shingles is likely but still assessment may be needed if it is very severe

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Sharp Upper Abdominal Pain Radiating Towards Back And Bumps On Back?

Brief Answer: sounds like shingles Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic . The gas/bloating and the rash are likely unrelated. The gas/bloating may be due to different causes including constipation, carbonated drinks, reflux, use of gas producing foods such as broccoli, cabbage, beans, turnips etc. The rash does sound like shingles from your description of a itching rash with associated bumps and some discomfort. Shingles can occur in anyone with a previous history of chicken pox. Pain medication is used to help with the discomfort and antihistamines or topical creams such as calamine would help with the itching. There is a shingles vaccine but this is normally not given at your age. Shingles can result in previously unexposed persons developing chicken pox but only if they come into contact with the lesions. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions