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What Causes Upper Left Abdominal Pain?
Question: I am a rather healthy 47 yr old women. No medical concerns other than of late. I feel a short stabbing pain or ache in my middle abdomen area on a daily basis. Don't feel it is low enough to be my appendix and I do seem to notice my left side ache too. Could I have a stomach ulcer?
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Gastritis and gastric/duodenal ulcers usually cause pain in the upper abdomen, in the middle or to the left. Sometimes gas in the intestines can cause significant pain too.
Gastritis/duodenitis usually is more painful either when a person has not eaten for many hours, such as when first getting up, and sometimes after eating, particularly in the evening. But that is not always the case.
If your symptoms sound consistent with my description of where ulcers and irritation may be, you can try over the counter Zantac (generic is ranitidine) 150 mg twice a day for a few days and see if it makes a difference at all. If it helps, continue it for a few weeks, and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and decrease citrus (and sometimes tomatoes adds to hyperacidity).
Zantac is an H2 blocker which reduces the production of acid by 70%, allowing an irritated lining to heal, while still allowing for enough acid for digestion.
If the Zantac does not help, or if your symptoms get worse or you have black, tarry stools or blood, then see a doctor where you can be examined.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Gastritis and gastric/duodenal ulcers usually cause pain in the upper abdomen, in the middle or to the left. Sometimes gas in the intestines can cause significant pain too.
Gastritis/duodenitis usually is more painful either when a person has not eaten for many hours, such as when first getting up, and sometimes after eating, particularly in the evening. But that is not always the case.
If your symptoms sound consistent with my description of where ulcers and irritation may be, you can try over the counter Zantac (generic is ranitidine) 150 mg twice a day for a few days and see if it makes a difference at all. If it helps, continue it for a few weeks, and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and decrease citrus (and sometimes tomatoes adds to hyperacidity).
Zantac is an H2 blocker which reduces the production of acid by 70%, allowing an irritated lining to heal, while still allowing for enough acid for digestion.
If the Zantac does not help, or if your symptoms get worse or you have black, tarry stools or blood, then see a doctor where you can be examined.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
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
Answered by
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