My husband was rushed last night to the ER for severe stomach pains on his upper abdominal area. the doctors were able to rule out  appendicitis. he was given a few antacids and was released when the pain subsided. today, the stomach pains are back and he is getting chills, but with no fever. he does not have diarrhea and no nausea, but he said he feels flu like symptoms without the diarrhea. are these symptoms of either gal stones or peptic ulcer? how do we narrow it down and what to do from here?
Hi. Thanks for your query and an elucidated history. Gall stones and many other diseases are easily ruled out by ultrasonography. Peptic ulcer is ruled out by typical history and upper GI endoscopy. Chills can be due to flu but also by a closed cavity infection like urinary tract, liver, large intestine and so on... This will be easily by clinical examination, relevant investigations and response to antibiotics. Blood and urine culture before start of antibiotic can help in some cases to get a proper diagnosis.