Pain Coming From The Pancreas
Your pancreas is in the middle of the upper part of your tummy. Chemicals made by cells in the pancreas pass into the guts to help digest food. The hormones insulin and glucagon are also made in the pancreas and help to regulate the blood sugar level. It can become inflamed in the conditions acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis, causing upper tummy pain, usually with feeling sick and/or being sick . The pain is usually in the centre of the upper part of your tummy, but can be felt on the left. In acute pancreatitis there is usually also a fever and you may feel very unwell in yourself.
Cancers of the pancreas can also cause upper tummy pain.
Pain On The Left Side When To See A Doctor
As we have seen in this article, the causes of pain in the left side of your upper body, chest, and abdomen are varied. Dr. Jennifer Robinson on WebMD warns that chest pain or abdominal pain that persist and isnt helped by home remedies could be a sign of a serious health issue.34
You should see a doctor for pain and discomfort that you feel in your upper left chest or left abdomen if you also have one or more of these symptoms:
- You have tightness or a feeling of crushing pressure in the middle or left side of your chest.
- Pain in your chest or abdomen radiates to your arms, neck, jaw, back, or groin.
- Pain anywhere in your rib cage and under your breastbone comes on suddenly when you are resting.
- Along with the chest or abdominal pain, you have a rapid heartbeat, nausea, dizziness, or vomiting.
Types Of Abdominal Pain And What You Can Do
Abdominal pain can occur anywhere between the chest and the lower abdomen and can range from a dull ache to severe pain. Abdominal pain is one of the common reasons people visit urgent care centers and emergency rooms in the 78130 area code of New Braunfels, Texas.
The doctors and the medical professionals at Riverside ER, a 24-hour emergency care center located near you in New Braunfels, Texas, want to educate the public on the symptoms of abdominal pain and the relevant treatment.
There are four types of abdominal pain: upper, lower, right-sided and left-sided. Each type has specific symptoms and causes, and all are discussed below.
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What Kind Of Doctor Treats Abdominal Pain In Adults
Abdominal pain can be treated by a variety of doctors depending on the cause of the pain. It is usually best to start off with a primary care physician who can start the process of diagnosing the origin of the pain. Depending on the final diagnosis you will be treated by a primary care doctor or referred to a surgeon , gastroenterologist, or gynecologist. If the pain is severe you might end up in the emergency department where an emergency medicine physician will be the first one to take care of you.
Right Or Left Lower Abdominal Pain In Women
Sudden onset of right lower abdominal pain or left lower abdominal pain can indicate a ruptured ovarian cyst in a woman who is mid-cycle. This kind of pain could also be a sign of ovarian torsion, which is the rotation of the ovary and part of the fallopian tube, or possibly a twisting of the ovary due to compromised blood supply. Seek treatment immediately at the nearest emergency department. Surgery to remove the ovary may be required.
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Pain Locator: Where Does It Hurt
Abdominal pain can have a wide range of causes. Understanding the nine regions and four quadrants of your abdomen can help pinpoint possible origins and identify associated ailments. Here’s a helpful guide.
Abdominal pain could be indicative of many ailments, ranging from gas and constipation to gallstones or pancreatitis. Understanding the type of pain you’re experiencing, where it’s originating from, and the severity of your ailment, could help you get the correct treatment before symptoms worsen.
It’s important to become acquainted with the nine regions of the abdomen, so you can better understand how your digestive organs function and are susceptible to a variety of medical issues.
When To See A Doctor
If you think the pain on the left side of your abdomen could be caused by any of the conditions above, you should see a doctor.
You should also contact a doctor if you have left-side abdominal pain and you:
- are pregnant
- experience persistent sickness or vomiting
- are bringing up blood, or see blood in your poo
- have persistent diarrhoea
- have recently lost a lot of weight without trying to
- feel breathless or light-headed
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When To Get Medical Advice
See a GP immediately if you’re experiencing severe pain, as this is a warning sign that something is wrong.
If this is not possible, call NHS 111 for advice.
You should also see a GP as soon as you can if you:
- develop symptoms of jaundice
- keep being sick
Jaundice can have a range of causes other than pancreatitis, but it’s usually a sign there’s something wrong with your digestive system.
When To Contact A Medical Professional
Get medical help right away or call your local emergency number if you:
- Are currently being treated for cancer
- Are unable to pass stool, especially if you are also vomiting
- Are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool
- Have chest, neck, or shoulder pain
- Have sudden, sharp abdominal pain
- Have pain in, or between, your shoulder blades with nausea
- Have tenderness in your belly, or your belly is rigid and hard to the touch
- Are pregnant or could be pregnant
- Had a recent injury to your abdomen
- Have difficulty breathing
- Abdominal discomfort that lasts 1 week or longer
- Abdominal pain that does not improve in 24 to 48 hours, or becomes more severe and frequent and occurs with nausea and vomiting
- Bloating that persists for more than 2 days
- Burning sensation when you urinate or frequent urination
- Diarrhea for more than 5 days
- Fever, over 100°F for adults or 100.4°F for children, with pain
- Prolonged poor appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
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Normal Variation Of Constipation
Constipation means bowel movements which have become infrequent and/or hardened and difficult to pass.
There is wide variation in what is thought “normal” when it comes to frequency of bowel movements. Anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is considered normal.
As long as stools are easy to pass, laxatives should not be used in an effort to force the body to a more frequent schedule.
Constipation is usually caused by lack of fiber in the diet not drinking enough water insufficient exercise and often suppressing the urge to have a bowel movement.
A number of medications and remedies, especially narcotic pain relievers, can cause constipation.
Women are often affected, due to pregnancy and other hormonal changes. Young children who demand low-fiber or “junk food” diets are also susceptible.
Constipation is a condition, not a disease, and most of the time is easily corrected. If simple adjustments in diet, exercise, and bowel habits don’t help, a doctor can be consulted to rule out a more serious cause.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: abdominal pain , nausea, stomach bloating, constipation, constipation
Symptoms that always occur with normal variation of constipation: constipation
Symptoms that never occur with normal variation of constipation: vomiting
Urgency: Self-treatment
What Causes Pain Under The Left Rib After Eating
Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.
Pain under the left rib after eating may be a very familiar and intensely frustrating scenario for you. Perhaps youve just finished a delicious meal, when dark clouds appear on the horizon in the form of searing pain underneath your left rib cage.
While there are many potential causes, such as broken ribs or symptoms of a stroke specifically, there are many gastrointestinal reasons why this might be occurring, including acid reflux , indigestion, an ulcer, allergic reaction, or even gastritis.
Its important to understand why this condition occurs in certain people in order to treat it effectively. With the right series of changes to ones lifestyle, pain under the left rib after eating can become a distant memory.
In This Article:
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Causes Of Abdominal Pain When Pressing
The following conditions tend to present with abdominal point tenderness. It may also be the cause of abdominal pain. The location of the pain as well as accompanying signs and symptoms can help with identifying the possible cause. At times it can be difficult to isolate the problem to one specific quadrant as organs may overlap and pain can radiate to neighboring quadrants.
Some of the possible causes of abdominal pain when pressing on it has been discussed below. However, it should be investigated immediately by a medical professional. Remember that some of the serious and even life threatening conditions may appear with mild to moderate symptoms whereas less serious conditions can present with severe symptoms. Medical attention is therefore necessary.
When To Call Your Doctor
No matter what the cause of your lower left abdominal pain, you should know when to see your doctor. The Mayo Clinic says you should make the call if:
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- You have pain with fever.
- You have persistent constipation or diarrhea.
- You have pain with nausea or vomiting.
- Your abdomen is swollen and tender totouch.
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Causes Of Recurrent Stomach Pains
- Stress or Worries. The most common cause of frequent stomach pains is stress. Over 10% of children have a “worried stomach.” These children tend to be sensitive and too serious. They often are model children. This can make them more at risk to the normal stresses of life. Examples of these events are changing schools, moving or family fights. The pain is in the pit of the stomach or near the belly button. The pain is real.
- Abdominal Migraine. Attacks of stomach pain and vomiting with sudden onset and offset. Often occur in children who later develop migraine headaches. Strongly genetic.
- Functional Abdominal Pains. Functional means the stomach pains are due to a sensitive GI tract. The GI tract is free of any disease.
- School Avoidance. Stomach pains that mainly occur in the morning on school days. They keep the child from going to school.
What Are The Common Causes Of Left Upper Quadrant Pain In Pregnancy
Any of the above conditions can cause pain in the LUQ area, whether you are pregnant or not, so you should always get checked out. However, in pregnancy a common cause of discomfort is the sheer pressure of the womb pressing on other organs, and pressing them into the diaphragm. Also problems with indigestion tend to be common in pregnancy, again at least partly due to the pressure on the stomach. Urinary tract infections are also more common in pregnancy.
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Lower Left Abdominal Pain: 9 Causes & What To Do
Left-sided abdominal pain is usually a sign of excess gas or constipation. This is especially true when the pain is not very strong, or if it feels like a stabbing pain that comes and goes. Other symptoms such as bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, or regular belching may also indicate excess gas or constipation.
Left-sided abdominal pain can, however, be a sign of a condition that requires medical attention, like kidney stones, endometriosis, or diverticulitis.
In rare cases, pain on the left side of the abdomen can also be a sign of a heart attack, but there are usually other, more specific symptoms that will accompany it, like chest pain that radiates to the stomach, nausea, shortness of breath, and tingling in the arms.
Left Lower Quadrant Pain
The lower left side of the abdomen is the last part of your colon, and for women, the left ovaries. Minor discomfort in this region is usually nothing to worry about. It will heal and make you feel comfortable on its own.
If you have anxiety associated with an accident or injury, go to local emergency services right away. Likewise, attempt urgent medical attention if you feel pressure or pain in your chest.
Rush to urgent care or an emergency room if you have:
- Fever
- Jaundice
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What Is Abdominal Point Tenderness
Ther term abdominal point tenderness simply means that there is pain in a certain part of the abdomen when pressure is applied to it. In contrast, the term abdominal pain means that pain may be present irrespective of whether there is pressure applied to it or not. Tenderness can accompany pain. However, the pressure on the abdomen like with pressing during a physical examination will intensify this pain.
Common Characteristics Of Pain In The Upper Left Abdomen
The pain and tenderness you may be experiencing can likely be described by the following details:
- Location: It will likely be beneath the lower edge of the rib cage, on the left side.
- Sensitive: The pain will be evident on palpation of the left upper abdomen.
- Varied: The pain may range from mild and dull to severe and sharp.
- Mobile: The pain may travel into the back at the same level, or to the left shoulder.
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What Home Remedies Soothe Abdominal Pain In Adults
Abdominal pain without fever, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, passing out, chest pain, or other serious symptoms often get better without special treatment.
- If the pain persists or if a person believes the pain may represent a serious problem, they should see a doctor.
- A heating pad or soaking in a tub of warm water may ease the pain.
- Over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums, Maalox, or Pepto-Bismol, also can reduce some types of abdominal pain. Activated charcoal capsules also may help.
- Acetaminophen may help. This product should be avoided if liver disease is suspected. Patients should try to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen stomach or intestinal ulcer disease is suspected these drugs can make the pain worse.
Heart Attack Or Angina
Although heart attacks or angina can cause pressing heavy discomfort in your left chest, the symptoms can also be similar to heartburn. However, heart attack chest pain usually radiates to your left arm, neck, shoulder, and jaw.
Dr. Melissa Conrad Stöppler on MedicineNet says that heart attack symptoms also cause abdominal pain. For example, many people report that before their heart attack they felt a pain like something heavy pressing on the middle of the upper abdomen.12
To keep your heart healthy, you should make positive lifestyle changes like getting physically active and eating healthily.
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Ectopic Pregnancy And Abdominal Pain
Ectopic pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg gets implanted outside the uterus, often results in right-sided abdominal pain.
Unlike appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy is often marked by cramp-like pain, and sometimes even shoulder and neck pain.
Vaginal bleeding is also a common symptom of an ectopic pregnancy.
Additional reporting by Deborah Shapiro.
Left Side Abdominal Pain: Causes Symptoms And Treatment
A left side abdominal pain refers to a sharp or dull discomfort that originates on the left side of your belly. This is a common symptom that could arise from a variety of conditions. Fortunately, pain in the lower left abdomen is often no cause for concern. However, in some rare cases, the pain could signify something more severe.
Organs that might cause left side abdominal pain include:
- Part of the stomach
- Part of the small intestine
- The left side part of the colon
- Left ovary and fallopian tube in women
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What To Expect At Your Office Visit
Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history. Your specific symptoms, the location of pain and when it occurs will help your provider detect the cause.
LOCATION OF YOUR PAIN
- Where do you feel the pain?
- Is it all over or in one spot?
- Does the pain move into your back, groin, or down your legs?
TYPE AND INTENSITY OF YOUR PAIN
- Is the pain severe, sharp, or cramping?
- Do you have it all the time, or does it come and go?
- Does the pain wake you up at night?
HISTORY OF YOUR PAIN
- Have you had similar pain in the past? How long has each episode lasted?
- When does the pain occur? For example, after meals or during menstruation?
- What makes the pain worse? For example, eating, stress, or lying down?
- What makes the pain better? For example, drinking milk, having a bowel movement, or taking an antacid?
- What medicines are you taking?
OTHER MEDICAL HISTORY
- Have you had a recent injury?
- Are you pregnant?
When In Doubt About Your Abdominal Symptoms Physicians Say Its Best To Call Your Doctor Or Head To The Er
The egg salad didn’t taste quite right, but you were hungry. Or maybe your craving for cheesecake overrode the punishment you knew your lactose intolerance would inflict. You expect stomach distress in situations like these, but other times, abdominal pain can come out of nowhere. Sometimes it’s severe enough or lasts for so long that you know it’s not simply a matter of eating something that didn’t agree with you.
Digestive system issues account for 51 million visits to doctors’ offices and emergency departments yearly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The severity of the pain, its location within your abdominal area, and accompanying symptoms may provide clues to the origin of the pain and whether or not you should seek help immediately. Here are some of the most common signs your tummy troubles need more than an over-the-counter remedy.
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