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What Causes Bloating, Heartburn And Abdominal Pain?
Question: I've been suffering from non specific stomach and acid reflux issues for around three years. They will get bad for a while, then lessen, then flare up again. Right now after a recent round of antibiotics and a long vacation (a.k.a. poor eating habits), things are really bad. For the past two months I've had a globus sensation in my throat, gas/bloating, heartburn, and abdominal pain and discomfort. My weight seems to have dropped a little (around 3 pounds), but not significantly. My doctor has prescribed Dexilant and Carafe which helped some, but not completely. Is there anything anything else I can try? Also, at the age of 38, should I be worried about Barret's or stomach cancer? I had an abdominal CT about a year ago and blood work in March, all of which looked normal. Thanks so much for the assistance.
Brief Answer:
need some details to guide you better
Detailed Answer:
Hello
My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for abdominal pain. I would be in a better position to guide you anything if you answer following questions please:
1. Does pain settle/improve after taking food?
2. any history of nausea, vomiting or fever?
3. any history of constipation or diarrhea?
4. have you undergone upper GI endoscopy? if yes then please share results
5. are you on any medication other than Dexilant and Carafe ?
6. any history of diabetes, hypertension or other illness?
7. any family history of chronic illness?
8. any other symptom that you would like to share?
I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You
need some details to guide you better
Detailed Answer:
Hello
My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.
I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for abdominal pain. I would be in a better position to guide you anything if you answer following questions please:
1. Does pain settle/improve after taking food?
2. any history of nausea, vomiting or fever?
3. any history of constipation or diarrhea?
4. have you undergone upper GI endoscopy? if yes then please share results
5. are you on any medication other than Dexilant and Carafe ?
6. any history of diabetes, hypertension or other illness?
7. any family history of chronic illness?
8. any other symptom that you would like to share?
I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for the reply. My pain usually gets better after eating, but about 30 minutes to an hour later additional heartburn sometimes sets in. I have no history of nausea, vomiting, or fever, and for the most part my bowel movements are normal and regular. I had an upper GI series five years ago. The results showed mild gastritis but were otherwise unremarkable. I also had my gallbladder out in 2005. I take digestive enzymes, Armour thyroid, and several allergy medications (mainly Zyrtec and Flonase). My grandmother had type 2 diabetes, and I have several family members with high cholesterol. Also, two years ago my dad was diagnosed with Barrett's and mild Chron's disease. His Chrons is asymptomatic and he isn't taking anything for it right now, and his acid reflux appears controlled with Prilosec. I can't think of any other symptoms right now. Thanks for the assistance.
Brief Answer:
GERD requires long term care
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for getting back with the answers. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) requires a long term management with consistence. I would suggest you to get an appointment for a gasntroenterologist as he is specialized in treating these conditions. Also you would be requiring some medicines which are prescription only meds and you can get easily by visiting him. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following things:
> Medical Care:
- Omeprazole one daily for 14 days
- sucralfate suspension thrice a day for 10 days
> General Care:
Medical care can do NOTHING if you donot take general care about your health. Following steps would help you to recover slowly:
- take small frequent meals.
- take 30-45mins walk/exercise daily in the evening. It will make you fresh, healthy and is good for digestion.
- Don't lie down immediately after taking meal
- raise head end of your bed slightly(by an inch)
- Eat a diet rich in fiber, especially from fruits and vegetables
> AVOID:
fatty & oily food.
spices
heavy meals at night
carbonated & caffine drinks
chocolates
As there is +ve family history of barret's esophagus so i would also suggest you to discuss Upper GI endoscopy with gastroenterologist on annual basis as a prevention measure.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
GERD requires long term care
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for getting back with the answers. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) requires a long term management with consistence. I would suggest you to get an appointment for a gasntroenterologist as he is specialized in treating these conditions. Also you would be requiring some medicines which are prescription only meds and you can get easily by visiting him. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised following things:
> Medical Care:
- Omeprazole one daily for 14 days
- sucralfate suspension thrice a day for 10 days
> General Care:
Medical care can do NOTHING if you donot take general care about your health. Following steps would help you to recover slowly:
- take small frequent meals.
- take 30-45mins walk/exercise daily in the evening. It will make you fresh, healthy and is good for digestion.
- Don't lie down immediately after taking meal
- raise head end of your bed slightly(by an inch)
- Eat a diet rich in fiber, especially from fruits and vegetables
> AVOID:
fatty & oily food.
spices
heavy meals at night
carbonated & caffine drinks
chocolates
As there is +ve family history of barret's esophagus so i would also suggest you to discuss Upper GI endoscopy with gastroenterologist on annual basis as a prevention measure.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
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
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