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What Causes Constant Cramps In Upper Abdomen?

Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2015

Question: I have constant cramping aches in upper abdomen. They worsen when walking uphill and I feel a tightening and some dizziness as though I may pass out. Had heart checked with echo sounder and treadmill test, no problems and blood pressure ok with my risk score being 0. All blood tests normal and stomache scan was clear except for slightly fatty liver. Problems persist.

Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Typical symptoms of acid reflux, continue lanzoprazole

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX,

Thanks for choosing health care magic.

I have gone through your query and you have typical symptoms of a condition called acid reflux.

I am glad that you have undergone investigations to rule out cardiac involvement especially for your age.

You have been correctly prescribed lanzoprazole and Gaviscon for your symptoms.

I suggest you continue with the medications and your symptoms will reduce in a week.

You can also take Tab Buscopan 10 mg if cramps become unbearable. This is a prescription drug.

In addition to the above therapy, you need to make some changes in your diet and lifestyle.

I suggest the following:

1. Eat low-fat, high-protein meals
2. Eat smaller meals more frequently
3. Stop eating before you get too full
4. Avoid beverages like coffee, carbonated drinks and alcohol as much as possible
5. Avoid spicy foods, citrus fruits and any food which triggers your symptoms
6. Avoid smoking
7. Start up a regular exercise regimen to keep yourself fit
8. Finish eating atleast 2-3 hours before lying down.

These changes will definitely make a drastic difference and will help control your symptoms too.

I hope I have helped clear your doubts.

Please get back if any more queries.

Wishing you good health,

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Roopa Hiremath (5 hours later)

Many thanks but I am doing all of the things suggested, except the cramping medication. I've lost weight, changed diet and exercise regularly by cycling 50km most days. Still the cramping persists, particularly when standing or walking up hill. I have no problems when cycling? What else could it be and what can help?

Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue lifestyle changes, therapy, if symptoms persist rule out H.pylori

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr.XXXXXX,

Welcome back.

I apologize for the delayed reply.

I am glad that you are already following the lifestyle changes I have suggested.

These will definitely improve your health and make you feel better.

I suggest you continue therapy along with diet modifications at least for a week.

If the symptoms still persist, you can undergo some investigations to rule out H.pylori infection which is one of the causes of gastric ulcers.

H.pylori stands for Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria which infects the stomach lining and causes ulcers in stomach and upper part of small intestine.

Your doctor will explain about the investigations required, usually a urea breath test is done.

For now, I suggest you take Tab Buscopan 10mg if unbearable cramps and continue with lanzoprazole.

Please get back if any more queries.

Thanks.

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