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What Causes Severe Constipation Along With Indigestion, Chest Burns And Anxiety?
Question: I am having some stomach issues and don't have insurance, I'm sure you hear that a lot with today's economy. Anyway I was constipated for several days and I stopped at local pharmacy and purchased a enema. And now I am taking stool softeners (not sure how much or the consistency of that should be. (that is worrying me a lot) My stomach isn't as swollen as it was. I do feel a little better than I did. Also over the weekend I have had just a lot of gas, indigestion, my stomach burns, my chest burns, and my anxiety is through the roof because I'm so worried it is something bad wrong with me. (like a obstruction or impaction. that anxiety is making me worse I know but I can't stop obsessing over what may/may not be wrong.
Some past medical history: about 10 years ago my panic attacks got worse and the doctor had to put me on ativan and zoloft. I only took that for a couple years. I did not want to be addicted to anything. and then a few years back I had this problem with the burning and burping and chest pain, back pain and went to ER. They tested me and seen I had hployri and ulcers. He said it was causing my anxiety to be worse also because every time my chest hurt I thought the worse.
anyway they prescribed a prev pack or something like that. It was antibotics, acid reducers, and something else. Long story short. I am having all those issues again the only thing is I don't remember if I was constipated or not. What do you think?
Some past medical history: about 10 years ago my panic attacks got worse and the doctor had to put me on ativan and zoloft. I only took that for a couple years. I did not want to be addicted to anything. and then a few years back I had this problem with the burning and burping and chest pain, back pain and went to ER. They tested me and seen I had hployri and ulcers. He said it was causing my anxiety to be worse also because every time my chest hurt I thought the worse.
anyway they prescribed a prev pack or something like that. It was antibotics, acid reducers, and something else. Long story short. I am having all those issues again the only thing is I don't remember if I was constipated or not. What do you think?
Brief Answer:
Dyspepsia.
Detailed Answer:
I have gone very carefully through your query.You are having dyspepsia. Dyspepsia, in layman's language is known as indigestion. It is a term that describes discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. However, it's not a disease in itself. Dyspepsia is a group of symptoms which often include bloating, nausea and heartburn.
Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces. If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe and on the other hand the bowel habits would not be proper. Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation burping bloating abdominal pain etc.
In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help.
Continue taking laxative you are on.
Hopefully that should help.
Dyspepsia.
Detailed Answer:
I have gone very carefully through your query.You are having dyspepsia. Dyspepsia, in layman's language is known as indigestion. It is a term that describes discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. However, it's not a disease in itself. Dyspepsia is a group of symptoms which often include bloating, nausea and heartburn.
Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces. If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe and on the other hand the bowel habits would not be proper. Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation burping bloating abdominal pain etc.
In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help.
Continue taking laxative you are on.
Hopefully that should help.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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