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What Causes Upper Right Abdominal Pain?

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Posted on Thu, 17 Aug 2017
Question: Hi, I am having upper right abdominal pain..somedays it is worse than others. I am having normal bowel movements but my appetite is off and I feel bloated.. I was diagnosed with diverticulitis/colitis about 3 years ago, ( they weren't really sure), but the pain was really severe on my left side then and I had bloating and vomiting. I was in the hospital for 3 days. Nothing out of the ordinary since that time. I had a colonoscopy 1/1/2 years ago, just a small benign polyp. I am on a statin. Could this be a liver or pancreatic problem?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
can involve liver, gallbladder, pancreas

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is possible that it may be related to the liver, gallbladder or pancreas though the pancreas would more likely cause pain that goes towards the back because it is located behind a number of organs.

Bloating can also be related to the stomach and small intestines though this would more likely cause central pain or epigastric pain.

Blood tests such as liver function tests (AST, ALT, Alk Phos, GGT, bilirubin, proteins) , amylase, lipase would be needed. An ultrasound of the abdomen, which would show the liver, gallbladder and pancreas along with other organs, would also be needed to determine if there is any functional or structural issues in these areas.

Medications such as nexium, prilosec, prevacid etc , though most often used for reflux, may still help you with the bloating.

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 (16 minutes later)
My gallbladder has been removed a number of years ago. The pain is under the scar on the right side. I have a full feeling, like there is something in there.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
tests would be the same

Detailed Answer:
HI

Ok, that would leave assessment of the liver and pancreas, the blood tests and imaging required would remain the same (liver function tests, lipase, amylase, abdominal ultrasound)

There are different types of liver disease eg infection, presence of a mass (maybe benign or cancerous), cirrhosis, trauma, related to medications. Unfortunately the exact nature of disease of the liver cannot be determined without investigations because they tend to present similarly except infection may be associated with fever and general unwell sensation.


Please feel free to ask anything else
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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 Upper Right Abdominal Pain?

Brief Answer: can involve liver, gallbladder, pancreas Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is possible that it may be related to the liver, gallbladder or pancreas though the pancreas would more likely cause pain that goes towards the back because it is located behind a number of organs. Bloating can also be related to the stomach and small intestines though this would more likely cause central pain or epigastric pain. Blood tests such as liver function tests (AST, ALT, Alk Phos, GGT, bilirubin, proteins) , amylase, lipase would be needed. An ultrasound of the abdomen, which would show the liver, gallbladder and pancreas along with other organs, would also be needed to determine if there is any functional or structural issues in these areas. Medications such as nexium, prilosec, prevacid etc , though most often used for reflux, may still help you with the bloating. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions