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What Causes Belching, Loose Stools And Chest Pain?

Posted on Wed, 30 Apr 2014

Question: I have been communicating with Dr. XXXXXXX Chail and would like this message to go to him. Hi Dr. Chail, I visited my gastroenterologist. He said he thinks I have a virus which is travelling from my esophagus to stomach to intestines and rectum. He believes that it will work itself out my system. I saw him one week ago. I am still having belching with pain in my chest. I have very soft loose and soft stools which are very foul-smelling. I have about 5 to 7 bowel movements per day. He suggested that I take Pepto Bismol to slow the bowel movements and perhaps create more regularity. Just today, I have developed a pain in my right lower back. I still feel weak at times. I still wonder whether I have herpes esophagitis with the pain in my chest after in-take of food and belching. The doctor did not say if and when he would do a endoscopy/colonoscopy. So, we are waiting to see what happens. Do you have any opinion to share with me? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (10 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please find detailed answer below Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXX, Thanks for writing in with an update. I wonder if your gastroenterologist was thinking of CMV infection. CMV is cytomegalovirus and is a member of the herpes family of viruses. This virus can affect any portion of the gastrointestinal tract including the esophagus and colon. An endoscopy/ colonoscopy may help in knowing changes within your body and I hope your doctor will decide the need to do it depending on your symptoms. A CMV infection of the gastrointestinal system is usually seen in immune compromised but can also affect persons with normal immunity. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Hi Dr. Chail - Thanks. Do you think that I may have CMV infection due to the fact that I have a positive HSV1 antibody blood test? How serious is this? What are the complications as a result of it ? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (16 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please find detailed answer below Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXX, Thanks for writing in with an update. In the US adult seroprevalence of CMV and HSV 1 are as follows: CMV = 58.9% (90.8% aged ≥ 80 years) HSV 1 = 57.7% So its not uncommon even if you were found to be CMV positive. Coming to your query, you do not have CMV because you are positive for HSV 1 but it is another entity. Regarding seriousness, if your immune system is functioning normally then there is no need to worry. In rare instances, more severe CMV infection involving the GI tract has been reported in people with a healthy immune system. In people with a healthy immune system, symptoms usually go away without treatment. Symptoms are more severe in those with a weakened immune system. The outcome depends on how severe the immune system deficiency and the CMV infection are. I guess you must not worry about the complications as your immune system is normal. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar