Brief Answer: Life style change and medication are needed. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on Health care magic. Your history suggests that you are suffering from two problems- bloating, heart burn and reflux from past two years. These symptoms occur due to regurgitation of acidic contents back into the esophagus/ food pipe and some times into the mouth. The cause of these symptoms are many. Common ones are weak gastro-esophageal junction and hiatus hernia. Omeprazole is drug belonging to the group of proton pump inhibitors (PPI). This drug decreases acid secretion in the stomach and hence the discomfort produced by regurgitation of the acidic contents. However, this is just symptomatic relief, it is not curative. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy will help the doctor to see the status of esophagus, gastro-esophageal junction, stomach and the duodenum for any ulceration or erosion. In the meanwhile, you can go for certain life style changes like avoiding fatty and spicy foods; avoiding alcohol, tea or coffee at night; taking light exercises; taking stroll at night after dinner; sleeping in propped up position. These life style modifications will help to relieve the symptoms. However, the cure can be devised after investigations and knowing the exact cause of these symptoms. The second problem that you have mentioned is that of diarrhea alternating with constipation. This symptom is seen in inflammatory bowel disease and also in cancers. However, you need not panic at this point of time. Get a colonoscopy done. Colonoscopy involves viewing the rectum, sigmoid colon and colon with the help of a scope. Any changes in the mucosa are noted and biopsies are taken from any abnormal appearing area or from the normal appearing mucosa. You need to consult your gastroenterologist for all these investigations and further management. If you have more queries I will be glad to answer. Dr Shailja P Wahal

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