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What Causes Upper Abdominal Pain After Eating Or Drinking Certain Types Of Food?

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Posted on Wed, 22 Mar 2017
Question: My stomach(upper abdominal area has been uncomfortable for several weeks--since I began taking Keppra for my simple partial epilepsy-weaning off tegretol after 40 years. Drinking caffeine, alcohol & fatty meals excacerbates the discomfort. Tums & sometimes just time help. No GERD or heartburn, but definitely acid is the problem.(Actuall red wine sometimes helps.) I have taken OTC Prilosec for 14 days & it got better then worse. I've had
stomach sensitivity for years. Taken Prevacid & Nexium on and off. (Never drank alcohol until late 50's. Now I'm 69). Is this TMI. Any suggestions?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
?? Either poor control of acid reflux or another underlying condition

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. In my opinion there are 2 possibilities:

1. Either you do have only acid reflux which requires both medications (E.g. prisolec) and dietary modifications; and you seem to only be taking the medication so you get better, and as soon as you consume something that aggravates the condition, you get worse

or

2. You have some other underlying condition that seems to get aggravated by certain foods or drink that you seem to be consuming. For this possibility, I need to ask you a few questions sir:

+Do you experience an increased urge to pass your bowels or experience abdominal discomfort, or cramping soon after having certain foods or drink (e.g. alcohol, fatty meals, caffeine or other items)?

+Do you experience abdominal bloating or a feeling of fullness often?

+Any diarrhoea or constipation?

I look forward to hearing from you in order to help you accurately.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (41 minutes later)
I have discomfort after eating or drinking the food or liquids you mention, I.e,caffeine, alcohol or fatty/spicy food. I have some increased urgency to pass bowels in the morning maybe related to coffee intake but not during rest of day.

Feeling of fullness/bloating off & on during most of day usually after consumption
of liquids/foods mentioned above

I have often experienced loose bowels or diarrhea much of my life. No real constipation.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (27 hours later)
Brief Answer:
?? Strongly suspecting IBS, please read the information listed below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for that information.

I am extremely sorry for the delay as I have been travelling.

Your response indicates a condition called irritable bowel syndrome to me which presents with symptoms like:

+Abdominal bloating after consuming trigger foods or drink
+Abdominal fullness
+Increased urge to pass your bowels immediately after consuming a trigger food or drink
+Explosive diarrhoea at times
+Increased mucus being passed with the stools
+Belching
+Increased gas
+Acid reflux at times
+Abdominal cramping
and a few others.

The main approach to living with IBS is to educate yourself on the do's and don'ts of the condition. The first approach is to avoid all trigger foods and drinks, let me list some of the most common ones for you:

+Food with preservative (E.g. chips, cookies, etc.)
+Caffeine
+Tea
+Sugar and all sweet drinks
+Chocolates
+Popcorn
+Fried food
+Fatty food
+Oily food
+Spicy food
+Carbonated drinks
+Sorbitol that is present in many drinks
+Taurine that is present in many drinks
+Some fruits (especially those that have skin like apples)
+Few vegetables (E.g. broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.)
and a few others.

It is important for a person to learn from their experience and time with IBS. Learn and observe what causes you to have your symptoms and avoid it completely. You should know that I too am an IBS-suferrer, but have not had a symptom since over 5-7 years now.

Initially I did suffer with a lot of repeated episodes, but since then I have observed and avoided all that I cannot tolerate. I was also on a medication initially to help suppress my symptoms, and if you need help like I did then speak to your doctor about the initiation of mebeverine which should help you cope while you learn.

I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. I can understand if you have any questions on the way, so please do not think twice before writing to me, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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What Causes Upper Abdominal Pain After Eating Or Drinking Certain Types Of Food?

Brief Answer: ?? Either poor control of acid reflux or another underlying condition Detailed Answer: Hello sir and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. In my opinion there are 2 possibilities: 1. Either you do have only acid reflux which requires both medications (E.g. prisolec) and dietary modifications; and you seem to only be taking the medication so you get better, and as soon as you consume something that aggravates the condition, you get worse or 2. You have some other underlying condition that seems to get aggravated by certain foods or drink that you seem to be consuming. For this possibility, I need to ask you a few questions sir: +Do you experience an increased urge to pass your bowels or experience abdominal discomfort, or cramping soon after having certain foods or drink (e.g. alcohol, fatty meals, caffeine or other items)? +Do you experience abdominal bloating or a feeling of fullness often? +Any diarrhoea or constipation? I look forward to hearing from you in order to help you accurately. Best wishes.