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What Causes Severe Indigestion And Discomfort After Eating Dinner?
Question: My name is XXXX-I am experiencing discomfort during the evening for over a week now. The pain seems to begin sometimes, but not always, after dinner, gradually. I know what reflux is as I've been treated for it in the past. This seems different. The pain radiates from my mid-back and reaches into my chest on the right side of my body. If it would've been on the left, I would have headed to the ER well before now. It can feels worse if I am sitting, but lasts as I move about. It can manifest into what feels like indigestion, but the origin of starting further back on my body is not familiar to me. I have reduced the discomfort, tonight, with Pepto-Bismal. I am 51 years old. Very active. I had a complete physical in September 2016. Mammogram in October 2016. Both were very clean aside from some anemia that I am now taking Iron for. I had a colonoscopy in 2012 and will have one XXXXXXX of this year.
Brief Answer:
Reflux vs intercostal neuritis
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mrs XXXXXXX
Warm greetings.
I have gone through your medical history in detail.
Considering the symptoms that you have stated,there are 2 possibilities-
1.Reflux / Peptic ulcer- Although this should cause pain and discomfort in upper abdominal region,sometimes,radiating referred pain and discomfort can occur to the back region due to gaseous distension.
The fact that it increases after dinner and has been reduced with Pepto-Bismal indicates that its due to reflux.
An upper Gastro-intestinal endoscopy can confirm this.
2.Intercostal neuritis- In this condition,there is inflammation of the nerve between 2 ribs.Typically, the pain radiates along the rib area,from back to front,aggravates while coughing sneezing etc,will not be relieved by antacids and will have no correlation to meals.
In my opinion,most probable diagnosis is a reflux with Peptic ulcer.
Consult a gastroenterologist.
Take antacids,digestive enzymes,pre-pro biotics.
Dinner should be taken atleast 3 hours before going to bed.
A 15-20 min walk after dinner can help improve digestion.
I hope the answer was useful.
Feel free to ask me any follow up queries.
Thank you.
Best wishes.
Reflux vs intercostal neuritis
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mrs XXXXXXX
Warm greetings.
I have gone through your medical history in detail.
Considering the symptoms that you have stated,there are 2 possibilities-
1.Reflux / Peptic ulcer- Although this should cause pain and discomfort in upper abdominal region,sometimes,radiating referred pain and discomfort can occur to the back region due to gaseous distension.
The fact that it increases after dinner and has been reduced with Pepto-Bismal indicates that its due to reflux.
An upper Gastro-intestinal endoscopy can confirm this.
2.Intercostal neuritis- In this condition,there is inflammation of the nerve between 2 ribs.Typically, the pain radiates along the rib area,from back to front,aggravates while coughing sneezing etc,will not be relieved by antacids and will have no correlation to meals.
In my opinion,most probable diagnosis is a reflux with Peptic ulcer.
Consult a gastroenterologist.
Take antacids,digestive enzymes,pre-pro biotics.
Dinner should be taken atleast 3 hours before going to bed.
A 15-20 min walk after dinner can help improve digestion.
I hope the answer was useful.
Feel free to ask me any follow up queries.
Thank you.
Best wishes.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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