Stomach Issues & Nausea / Question
Published: June 8, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am an 18-year-old female and I have been having stomach aches for the last 2 weeks. Occasionally during the day I get hunger like pains in my mid abdomen. What I am concerned about are the pains I get on my left abdomen next to my belly button. I get them right after eating and they last for hours.
Signed: Stomach Pains After Eating
Dear Stomach Pains After Eating,
The pain you describe really could be many things from a simple stomach ache to heartburn. This is why it is important for you to get this checked out by a doctor. In general, any pain that lasts for two weeks needs to be checked out by a doctor (especially if it is new).
If you have a primary care physician, start by making an appointment with him or her. If you do not have a doctor and live in northern NJ, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971-6475. If you live outside of this area, call your local clinic for an appointment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
It is estimated that major depressive disorder (MDD) affects about 5% of adolescents, and that between 10 - 15% of adolescents have some symptoms of depression at any one time.
