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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
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Please help! Gassy and in pain
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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MedHelp Member's Question

Please help! Gassy and in pain

by jimmmhare, Aug 06, 2003 12:00AM
For quite a few months now, I've had a persistant gas bloat feeling after i eat, which makes me burp VERY OFTEN.  Not just the 14 times a day they say is normal, but i can often belch loudly (i'm embarassed to say) 5 or 6 times in a row, wait a while, and repeat.  I was also having some indigestion recently.  The indegestion and bloat happens almost immediately after eating.  I almost never feel it in the morning.  Drinking water seems to help.



Also, i get this odd cramp in my right side.  Sometimes it feels like someone is "folding my skin over" for lack of a better term or a mild burning sensation or the feeling someone is pressing me in the side (not hitting, but just pressing it in firmly).  There is also a substantial amount of lower back pain.  Sometimes the side pain correlates with the gas bloat.



My doctor (two days ago) thought it might be acid reflux coulpled with soft tissue damage.  He prescribed Prevacid and Bextra (i think) respsectively.



I've read these other articles saying that more fiber may be the answer or perhaps that i'm having trouble with lactose and was wondering if perhaps i just need to give these meds more time, or if its possible my doctor could be wrong.  I've suffered with this a long time and it really makes work (sitting in a chair all day programming) uncomfortable.  ANY help would be GREATLY appreciated!  The side pain really annoys me, i just hope it's something simple and not tumors or gallbladder or something, but want to make sure it's taken care of whatever it is.



Many thanks in advance



-Jim Hare
Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 09, 2003 12:00AM
There are many reasons for the increased gas.  This can include irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, GERD or various malabsorption syndromes.  



A reasonable first test would be either an upper GI series or upper endoscopy to evaluate for ulcers, GERD or inflammation of the stomach or esophagus.  Tests for malabsorption, including lactose intolerance, a fecal fat test for fat malabsorption or serum tests for celiac disease can also be considered.  A CT scan can also be considered to rule out any masses that can be causing your symptoms.  



If those tests are negative, irritable bowel syndrome may be considered.  The articles that suggest increasing the fiber in your diet may have this in mind - since this is the initial step in treating IBS.  



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Thanks,

Kevin, M.D.

Member Comments (4)

by jimmmhare, Aug 06, 2003 12:00AM
As a follow up, sometimes after eating i feel slight nausea also.



-Jim

by kevinmd, Aug 07, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - I will be on vacation until August 9th. I look forward to answering your question when I return.



Thanks,

Kevin, M.D.

by David02, Aug 07, 2003 12:00AM
I was in a lot of pain and did'nt know what was wrong with me, I went to a Iridologist and found out I had candida which is a fungus which spreads through the body,

Anyway thought it might be possible that you might have something similar.



David Vanzyl.



Symptoms

Candida Albicans in an incredible destroyer of health and is the main missing link in many of our modern day diseases and sub-health conditions. The fact that Candida can rob the body of its nutrition and poison the tissues with it toxins is a major contribution, directly or indirectly to the following list of serious conditions:

Adrenal/Thyroid Failure

PMS Symptoms

Poor Memory

Bad Breath

Hyperactivity

Colds & Flu

Gas/Bloating

Irritability

Mood Swings

Indigestions

Lethargic/Laziness

Muscle Aches

Ulcers

Insomnia

Chemical Sensitivity

Constipation

Anti-social

Endometriosis

Diarrhea Puffy Eyes

Vaginal Yeast

Colitis

Suicidal

Respiratory Problems

Colon Cancer

Menstrual Problems

Hormone Imbalance

No Sex Drive

Allergies

Diabetes

Cold/Shaky

Dry Skin & Itching

Low Blood Sugar

FATIGUE (Chronic)

Cystitis

Food Cravings

Epstein Bar Virus

Burning Eyes Heartburn

Infections

Thrush/Gum Receding

Hiatal Hernia

Asthma

Infections

Intestinal Pain

Skin Rashes & Hives

Premature Aging

Dry Mouth

Hemorrhoids

Finger/Toenail Fungus

Headaches

Over & Under Weight

Over-all Bad Feeling

Depression

Lupus

Numbness

by raquelhldy, Aug 24, 2003 12:00AM
My daughter had the same exact symptoms as you for years. Then it developed into VERY BAD NAUSEA with every thing else she was going through.

  She went in for a test where they put a camera down her throat and her doctor took samples of stuff in her stomach lining or something.....ANY WAY...we found out that my daughter can NEVER EVER have any dairy products in her life AGAIN. Her "MILK DIGESTING  enzyme" level is 2...and lactose