Severe Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen Following Acetaminophen Intake
A 25-year-old AFAB individual residing in Spain, of height 5'4" (163 cm) and weight 115 lbs (52 kg), currently prescribed Zoloft and using Minoxidil, abstains from alcohol, smoking, and recreational drug use. Approximately 20 hours ago, I experienced a headache attributed to poor posture and decided to take 1000 mg of acetaminophen, despite not having eaten for around 10 hours. I consumed it with a glass of water, leaving my stomach largely empty. A few hours later, I woke up to an uncomfortable abdominal sensation that was particularly intense in the upper right quadrant. While the pain wasn’t excruciating, it was bothersome enough to draw my attention. In an effort to alleviate any potential gas buildup from fasting, I ate a banana and went back to bed, after which the discomfort subsided by the time I awoke again. It’s worth noting that I frequently experience abdominal and chest pain, typically centralized on the left side, making this incident somewhat atypical for me. Naturally, I sought information online and became alarmed by the suggestion that I might have overdosed on acetaminophen and could require emergency medical attention. Generally, I have taken 1000 mg doses without any adverse effects but have always ensured to eat beforehand. No other symptoms, such as jaundice, have surfaced, although I do have Gilbert's syndrome to consider. My liver function has been assessed previously and was reported to be in excellent health. I had blood tests a few months back with favorable results, and a physician confirmed my liver’s condition as optimal back in 2022. **Summary**: Brief sharp pain in what may have been the liver region after ingesting 1000 mg of acetaminophen on an empty stomach. The discomfort has ceased several hours ago. Should I be worried?
Answers (1)
9/3/2025, 2:30:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
You’ve experienced discomfort in your upper right abdomen after taking acetaminophen on an empty stomach, but the symptoms have since subsided. While acetaminophen is usually safe when taken as directed, it’s understandable to be concerned about potential effects, especially with your history of Gilbert's syndrome.
Understanding Your Symptoms:
- Taking acetaminophen on an empty stomach can sometimes lead to gastric irritation or discomfort, which may explain the sharp pain you felt.
- The upper right abdomen is where the liver is located, and although you have Gilbert's syndrome, your liver function tests have been normal, which is reassuring.
- The pain subsided after you ate a banana, suggesting it may have been related to an empty stomach rather than a severe reaction to the medication.
Next Steps to Consider:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to any recurrence of abdominal pain or other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or changes in your urine color (dark urine can indicate liver issues).
- Hydrate: Ensure you drink plenty of water, especially after taking medications, to help with absorption and reduce any potential discomfort.
- Medication Guidance: In the future, take acetaminophen following a meal or a snack to help minimize gastrointestinal irritation. It's good to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid taking more than the recommended dose.
- Diet Consideration: If you often experience discomfort, consider eating smaller, more frequent meals to help prevent abdominal upset.
- Maintain Medical Records: Keep track of your symptoms and any medication taken, particularly concerning how it affects you. This can be helpful for future discussions with your healthcare provider.
When to Seek Further Assistance:
- If the discomfort returns or worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, jaundice, or severe pain, it would be wise to seek medical consultation for further evaluation.
- Since you have a history of abdominal pain, addressing any recurrent issues with a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment would be beneficial.
Remember, while it’s important to stay informed, it's crucial not to jump to conclusions based on online information. You've taken the right steps by observing your body's response. If you have any further questions or need specific advice, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?