Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Fullness In Mid Upper Stomach, Irregular Defecation And Hyper-acidity?
Question: past three weeks constant acid/fullness in mid upper stomach , irregular bowel movements, some pencil....most normal with constipation sometimes. Recent check up prior to symptoms revealed all normal results ,other then slightly raised ast/asp?..on 10 mg lipitor and 10 mg leaxapro . 61 year old male low cholesterol, resting heart rate of 58 and heart recovery rate in excellent zone after exercise. Made appointment with gastro doctor in Feb for colonoscopy ....feel great , other then stomach....no fatigue eat....always had strong stomach...never like this, a little worried
Brief Answer:
Explained below...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concern.
Your history in brief:
- 61 years old male
- heart rate of 58
- low cholesterol
- general good health; good recent lab tests
- symptoms: hyperacidity/fullness of stomach; irregular bowel movements
- medications: lipitor, lexapro
Now, if your cholesterol numbers are at low range, why are you taking lipitor?
Since when did you start taking lipitor? Sometimes, lipitor use is associated with gastrointestinal issues.
You are saying that your AST and ALT are a bit high. They are liver enzymes and showing its function.If raised, it means that there is a problem with your liver:
- fatty liver?
- alcohol use?
- lipitor use?
- viral infection?
all to be determined by abdominal ultrasound.
Next, as the bowel problems have been going on for 3 weeks now, then bowel infection should be ruled out by-
- stool examination for ova parasites especially if you have been traveling to endemic areas
- stool culture
- upper endoscopy to rule out gastritis or ulcer or reflux
- food in
If nothing organic will be shown, food intolerance test is advised further. If everything is OK then IBS is confirmed.
Meanwhile, you should:
- have small and frequent meals
- chew up slowly
- increase fluids intake
- take probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora
Hope this helps.
Dr. Albana
Explained below...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concern.
Your history in brief:
- 61 years old male
- heart rate of 58
- low cholesterol
- general good health; good recent lab tests
- symptoms: hyperacidity/fullness of stomach; irregular bowel movements
- medications: lipitor, lexapro
Now, if your cholesterol numbers are at low range, why are you taking lipitor?
Since when did you start taking lipitor? Sometimes, lipitor use is associated with gastrointestinal issues.
You are saying that your AST and ALT are a bit high. They are liver enzymes and showing its function.If raised, it means that there is a problem with your liver:
- fatty liver?
- alcohol use?
- lipitor use?
- viral infection?
all to be determined by abdominal ultrasound.
Next, as the bowel problems have been going on for 3 weeks now, then bowel infection should be ruled out by-
- stool examination for ova parasites especially if you have been traveling to endemic areas
- stool culture
- upper endoscopy to rule out gastritis or ulcer or reflux
- food in
If nothing organic will be shown, food intolerance test is advised further. If everything is OK then IBS is confirmed.
Meanwhile, you should:
- have small and frequent meals
- chew up slowly
- increase fluids intake
- take probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora
Hope this helps.
Dr. Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your insight. Some answer to your questions:
Total Cholesterol was about 220 4 years ago , but I reformatted my diet and my primary also prescribed 10 mg of lipitor...from that point it has remained in 120s jumped to 150 first time but I ate "sloppy".HDL was 58/ Triglyg. 60/HDL Chol Perc 36/HDL 60.
I will ask physician about lipitor and gastro issue.
ALT was 41 (o-35 range) and AST 40 ( 11-34 range) Non drinker, did come off viral infection for 3 weeks with motrin use prior to exam.
Will do stool sample and food allergy test.
To date, no degrading of athletic health Bike/elipitical/weights 3x week for about 2 hours ..Bike and elliptical 50 minutes with heart recovery rate from 180 to 134 in one minute. No abnormal exhaustion or fatigue next day or during exercise.
Thank you again!
Total Cholesterol was about 220 4 years ago , but I reformatted my diet and my primary also prescribed 10 mg of lipitor...from that point it has remained in 120s jumped to 150 first time but I ate "sloppy".HDL was 58/ Triglyg. 60/HDL Chol Perc 36/HDL 60.
I will ask physician about lipitor and gastro issue.
ALT was 41 (o-35 range) and AST 40 ( 11-34 range) Non drinker, did come off viral infection for 3 weeks with motrin use prior to exam.
Will do stool sample and food allergy test.
To date, no degrading of athletic health Bike/elipitical/weights 3x week for about 2 hours ..Bike and elliptical 50 minutes with heart recovery rate from 180 to 134 in one minute. No abnormal exhaustion or fatigue next day or during exercise.
Thank you again!
Brief Answer:
Lipitor remains the main cause to your actual health problems
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for providing additional information.
Your cholesterol numbers are excellent, no need for Lipitor. Can discuss further with your doctor.
From the new data you are providing, my opinion is that Lipitor could be the cause to your actual problems.
Another explanation is Gastroenteritis following viral infection. However, can discuss this further with your doctor too.
AST and ALT are not elevated to cause problems. I'm still thinking about lipitor effect in your liver. I am sure once you stop it, you'll get better results. However, fatty liver is to rule out first.
Have the consultation and tests done and send the reports to me for further evaluation.
Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana
Lipitor remains the main cause to your actual health problems
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for providing additional information.
Your cholesterol numbers are excellent, no need for Lipitor. Can discuss further with your doctor.
From the new data you are providing, my opinion is that Lipitor could be the cause to your actual problems.
Another explanation is Gastroenteritis following viral infection. However, can discuss this further with your doctor too.
AST and ALT are not elevated to cause problems. I'm still thinking about lipitor effect in your liver. I am sure once you stop it, you'll get better results. However, fatty liver is to rule out first.
Have the consultation and tests done and send the reports to me for further evaluation.
Wish fast recovery.
Dr.Albana
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
