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What Causes Heart Burn, Stomach Upset And Headaches?

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Posted on Wed, 31 Dec 2014
Question: The last 3-4 mths, I am experiencing heart burn,stomach upset, headaches. The last 2 wks my stool has darkened with some mucus discharge. I am on a bladder med for bladder control and med for joint pain
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Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Anti-gastric medications necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Heart burn and stomach upset is due to gastritis along with gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). You will need to take proton pump inhibitors like pantoprazole along with anti-emetics (which will tighten the lower esophageal sphincter) like domperidone. Usually taken before food. Need to take it regularly for a week atleast to feel symptomatic good feeling. More than 1-2 months necessary for complete cessation of symptoms.
2. You are already on medications, specifically painkillers, which could cause gastritis. You need to take the medications with or after food, to avoid medication induced gastritis. Also avoid spicy or sour food or having a too filling meals.
3. Avoid lying down immediately after food. Walk around a bit, or sit for atleast 1-2 hours after meals.
4. If severe, you can take pepto bismol during severe periods of pain, or cold milk, which will reduce acidity induced stomach mucosa damage.
5. Dark stools is worrisome, as it could be suggesting mild internal bleeding in the stomach possibly due to gastritis. Gastritis once controlled, as I told earlier could reduce or stop internal bleeding. Stool examination can confirm, if there is any internal bleeding or an upper endoscopy will be helpful.
6. Headaches, at present could be due to gastritis and also disturbed sleep. As you are already on analgesics, nothing further is necessary. Try to have a regular sleep and avoid stress.
7. More fiber rich diet - particularly from fruits and vegetables is necessary.

Get your hemoglobin level checked, to make sure, that you are not anemic.
You can get prescription from your doctor.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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What Causes Heart Burn, Stomach Upset And Headaches?

Brief Answer: Anti-gastric medications necessary. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows: 1. Heart burn and stomach upset is due to gastritis along with gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). You will need to take proton pump inhibitors like pantoprazole along with anti-emetics (which will tighten the lower esophageal sphincter) like domperidone. Usually taken before food. Need to take it regularly for a week atleast to feel symptomatic good feeling. More than 1-2 months necessary for complete cessation of symptoms. 2. You are already on medications, specifically painkillers, which could cause gastritis. You need to take the medications with or after food, to avoid medication induced gastritis. Also avoid spicy or sour food or having a too filling meals. 3. Avoid lying down immediately after food. Walk around a bit, or sit for atleast 1-2 hours after meals. 4. If severe, you can take pepto bismol during severe periods of pain, or cold milk, which will reduce acidity induced stomach mucosa damage. 5. Dark stools is worrisome, as it could be suggesting mild internal bleeding in the stomach possibly due to gastritis. Gastritis once controlled, as I told earlier could reduce or stop internal bleeding. Stool examination can confirm, if there is any internal bleeding or an upper endoscopy will be helpful. 6. Headaches, at present could be due to gastritis and also disturbed sleep. As you are already on analgesics, nothing further is necessary. Try to have a regular sleep and avoid stress. 7. More fiber rich diet - particularly from fruits and vegetables is necessary. Get your hemoglobin level checked, to make sure, that you are not anemic. You can get prescription from your doctor. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again. Dr. Prakash HM