Severe Right-Side Abdominal Discomfort
Hello, I am a 28-year-old male, standing at 170 cm and weighing 75 kg. I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or take any medications. Periodically, I experience intense pain in my abdomen, specifically on the right side just beneath my ribs. This discomfort is consistently present to some degree and can escalate to a point where it becomes quite debilitating, making it hard for me to maintain an upright position. The episodes typically last around 12 hours and tend to initiate during the nighttime hours. During these attacks, I often feel bloated and find myself burping frequently, producing foul-smelling gas. Fortunately, I do not suffer from diarrhea. However, I do experience episodes of vomiting, which can include anything I have eaten as well as bile. The sensation after consuming food or drink is akin to having a heavy weight in my stomach. Additionally, these incidents often begin with significant acid reflux. Typically, after vomiting, I expel a brownish substance resembling sand, which provides some relief. This troubling issue has been recurring for the past three to four years, averaging about seven to eight occurrences annually. So far this year, I have endured three episodes. I'm unsure if these episodes correlate with my eating habits, such as the quantity of food consumed, the interval between meals and bedtime, or the specific types of food ingested.
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 4:30:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your symptoms suggest a serious digestive issue, possibly related to gallbladder function or gastrointestinal reflux, and should not be ignored.
The intense right-side abdominal pain, especially after eating, along with bloating, foul-smelling gas, and acid reflux, could indicate a problem such as gallstones, gastritis, or even a condition known as acute cholecystitis. The recurring nature of your symptoms and the vomiting, especially if bile is present, warrant careful attention.
Next steps to consider:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track when these episodes occur, including details about your eating habits (types of food, portion sizes, and timing related to meals) and any associated symptoms. This information can help identify possible triggers.
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Modify Your Diet: Initially, try to avoid high-fat foods, fried items, and rich sauces that might trigger your symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals may also help reduce pressure on your digestive system.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, especially clear fluids, during non-episode times to maintain hydration, which can be beneficial, especially if you have vomited.
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Over-the-Counter Relief: Consider antacids like famotidine (Pepsid) or omeprazole (Prilosec) to manage acid reflux. However, do ensure these do not exacerbate your symptoms.
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Pay attention to any new symptoms such as fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or worsening pain that might arise. If you notice these changes, or if your episodes become more frequent or severe, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.
While these steps may provide some relief, your recurring and debilitating symptoms highlight the importance of addressing this issue. Engaging with a healthcare professional for further evaluation, such as an ultrasound or endoscopy, may ultimately be necessary to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
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