Stomache Pain

[Neeranam]

The last three days I've woken up after about 5 hours with a weird feeling in my upper gut. Just below the ribcage in the middle. It's kinda like hunger(but not) and as the days have gone on sometimes quite painful but not serious enough to go to the doc, yet.

Does anyone have any idea as what it could be? Irritable Bowel Syndrome, infection?

I've taken some analgesic and Eno.

[FBN]

The last three days I've woken up after about 5 hours with a weird feeling in my upper gut. Just below the ribcage in the middle. It's kinda like hunger(but not) and as the days have gone on sometimes quite painful but not serious enough to go to the doc, yet.

Does anyone have any idea as what it could be? Irritable Bowel Syndrome, infection?

I've taken some analgesic and Eno.

The pain from a duodenal ulcer is typically described as a "hunger" pain and also typically presents in the early morning hours. This is usually relieved by actually eating something but, if it is an established ulcer, relief does not last more than an hour or so.

Analgesics usually don't help and, if aspirin based, may really aggravate this pain.

This pain also sometimes radiates to the lower jaw and even back teeth.

Another possibility is a gastric ulcer but this is usually associated with heartburn (reflux) and gets worse after a meal. If associated with reflux it is usually then referred to as GERD.

Both these will be relieved by anti-acids or Ranitidine.

Helicobacter pylori may play a role in both and, if this is of short onset, worth to try and exclude.

If the pain is really severe or is not completely relieved by a short course of anti-acids or Ranitidine, a consult with a good gostro-enterologist is strongly advised and a gastroscopy may be indicated to get a final diagnosis.

Good Luck!

[Neeranam]

FBM,

Thanks for that response. After emptying my bowels this morning it's got better - no pain just a little uncomfortable. I it persists, I'll see my GP or try that Ranitidine.

[Neeranam]

Both these will be relieved by anti-acids or Ranitidine.

I took Ranitidine last night and it has gone completely - thanks for that recommendation.

Should I be taking the Ranitidine regularly or only when painful?

[Sheryl]

You should take for at least 4 weeks at dosage 300mg bedtime then decrease to 150.

If this is something very new, you should also seriously consider being tested for h. pylori