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What Causes Pressure And Pain In Stomach That Spreads To Back?
Question: Hello
I am concerned about discomfort/ pain that I experience periodically. The pain and pressure is in the chest/ stomach region, and can be pressure spreading to the back and surrounding areas, tightness, aching, feeling of poking/ jabbing or a lump. I have had my heart checked and an abdominal ultrasound quite recently was fine. The ultrasound doctor mentioned something about possible esophagael hernia, but he couldn't say whether this was the case judging from ultrasound.
I have a very sensible diet, no caffeine, alcohol or gluten. I often feel better right after eating, though on occasion I feel that the food meets a lump when swallowing. I also experience a lot of trapped air/ burping tendencies. Previously back at least 20 years, I have suffered from acid reflux and used nexium for a period of time,
Is it possible to have a hiatal hernia "off and on" and is it logical that I feel better when I have eaten? This doesn't seem to be the general rule.
The last few days this discomfort has been more pronounced than previously, it literally feels as though a part of my stomach is pressed or squeezed against something, a fullness and pressure that is very unpleasant. Now and then I also have shooting pains. There have been no pains or irregularities regarding bowel movements (a little orange looking, but may well be due to food consumed :))
Any input or suggestions would be highly appreciated.
Forgot to mention that I have had a CT scan of my bowels, but no examination of the upper area and stomach.
Best regards
Just a bit of extra information: I would like to add that I have always had a tendency to eat large meals far apart rather than small meals regularly. I am very slim, weigh approx. 52 kg no matter what or how much I eat, and I tend to eat larger portions than my husband or teenage son.
I am concerned about discomfort/ pain that I experience periodically. The pain and pressure is in the chest/ stomach region, and can be pressure spreading to the back and surrounding areas, tightness, aching, feeling of poking/ jabbing or a lump. I have had my heart checked and an abdominal ultrasound quite recently was fine. The ultrasound doctor mentioned something about possible esophagael hernia, but he couldn't say whether this was the case judging from ultrasound.
I have a very sensible diet, no caffeine, alcohol or gluten. I often feel better right after eating, though on occasion I feel that the food meets a lump when swallowing. I also experience a lot of trapped air/ burping tendencies. Previously back at least 20 years, I have suffered from acid reflux and used nexium for a period of time,
Is it possible to have a hiatal hernia "off and on" and is it logical that I feel better when I have eaten? This doesn't seem to be the general rule.
The last few days this discomfort has been more pronounced than previously, it literally feels as though a part of my stomach is pressed or squeezed against something, a fullness and pressure that is very unpleasant. Now and then I also have shooting pains. There have been no pains or irregularities regarding bowel movements (a little orange looking, but may well be due to food consumed :))
Any input or suggestions would be highly appreciated.
Forgot to mention that I have had a CT scan of my bowels, but no examination of the upper area and stomach.
Best regards
Just a bit of extra information: I would like to add that I have always had a tendency to eat large meals far apart rather than small meals regularly. I am very slim, weigh approx. 52 kg no matter what or how much I eat, and I tend to eat larger portions than my husband or teenage son.
Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I read carefully all your concerns and I can say as follows:
1. You are reporting to have symptoms like pressure and pain in stomach region that spreads to the back and the feeling of poking/ jabbing .
These symptoms are mostly related with :
- GERD (acid reflux)and esophagitis
- Hiatal hernia
2.If I were your treating doctor I would suggest to do:
-upper endoscopy
- swallow barium test
3. Meantime I suggest to :
- use PPI's treatment like Prilosec OTC
- use antacids like Gaviscon
- use two pillows when you lay down
- eat often and small amount of meal
- eat 3-4 hours before going to bed
- avoid unnecessary stress
4. With regards to the fact that you eat a large amount of meal and don't increase weight , it is related with your metabolism and physical activity.
Hope it was helpful to you!
Dr.Klerida
Please follow the suggestion below...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I read carefully all your concerns and I can say as follows:
1. You are reporting to have symptoms like pressure and pain in stomach region that spreads to the back and the feeling of poking/ jabbing .
These symptoms are mostly related with :
- GERD (acid reflux)and esophagitis
- Hiatal hernia
2.If I were your treating doctor I would suggest to do:
-upper endoscopy
- swallow barium test
3. Meantime I suggest to :
- use PPI's treatment like Prilosec OTC
- use antacids like Gaviscon
- use two pillows when you lay down
- eat often and small amount of meal
- eat 3-4 hours before going to bed
- avoid unnecessary stress
4. With regards to the fact that you eat a large amount of meal and don't increase weight , it is related with your metabolism and physical activity.
Hope it was helpful to you!
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for a clear and concise answer!
Only a couple of points I am wondering about in addition..
Do you have any opinion regarding the questions as to whether it is possible to have a hiatal hernia "off and on" and whether is it logical that I feel better when I have eaten since that doesn't seem to be the general rule.
Thank you
Only a couple of points I am wondering about in addition..
Do you have any opinion regarding the questions as to whether it is possible to have a hiatal hernia "off and on" and whether is it logical that I feel better when I have eaten since that doesn't seem to be the general rule.
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Please follow...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
To my opinion your symptoms may be related with sliding hiatal hernia.
It happens in which the junction of the esophagus and stomach, and part of the stomach protrude into the chest.
The junction may reside permanently in the chest, but often it pass into the chest only during a swallow.
This explains why you have on and off symptoms.
With regards to the fact that you feel better after you have eaten, it is not common but may be explained by the fact that when the swallow is finished, the herniated part of the stomach falls back into the abdomen.
Since the part of the stomach comes back to normal than you feel better.
Hope I was clear!
Dr.Klerida
Please follow...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
To my opinion your symptoms may be related with sliding hiatal hernia.
It happens in which the junction of the esophagus and stomach, and part of the stomach protrude into the chest.
The junction may reside permanently in the chest, but often it pass into the chest only during a swallow.
This explains why you have on and off symptoms.
With regards to the fact that you feel better after you have eaten, it is not common but may be explained by the fact that when the swallow is finished, the herniated part of the stomach falls back into the abdomen.
Since the part of the stomach comes back to normal than you feel better.
Hope I was clear!
Dr.Klerida
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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