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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Gas and Stomache Cramps
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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Gas and Stomache Cramps
by njkarmatti, Mar 05, 2004 12:00AM
I am 40 years old and have had heartburn for years. I took Zantac most of the time. Three years ago I went the doctor for heartburn and gas, mostly burping, they perscribed me to Nexium. I took this for 2 years which controlled my heartburn and gas. For the past year I have been taking Zantac. Three months ago on vacation I had severe heartburn and gas, the Zantac would not stop the symptoms. I went to the doctor again and he perscribed Aciphex, which I took for 10 days, but then I was having bad side effects, such as cramping, nausia, etc. At that time he had an ultra-sound on my gull bladder and he started me on Prevacid. My heartburn went away, but I am still gassy and now my stomache has been growling alot, whether I am standing, sitting or sleeping I can still feel it. I went back to the doctor for the third time in which they ran a series of tests. I had an upper endoscupy, EKG of my heart, stool sample, urine sample, several X-Rays, and many blood tests done. Everything came back negetive, except for a mild case of GERD. I have normal bowel movements. it does not make a difference on what I eat or drink, it never goes away. So my questions are: Why am I so gassy (mostly burping) and why is my stomache growling alot? On my fourth visit to the doctor he informed me that he thinks that maybe it is cause from stress. I have been under stress my whole life and have never in the past had these symptoms, therefore I know this is not the problem. Several years ago, after coming home from a hunting trip, I had somewhat of the same symptoms and at that time the doctor perscribed me an antibiotic, he felt I had some kind of an infection in my stomache. After taking the antibiotics for 2 weeks the problem went away. I have no idea what would be causing this, but I know I would like to see a doctor to be able to tell me what exactly is wrong with me.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 06, 2004 12:00AM
, Mar 06, 2004 12:00AM
There are several possibilities including GERD, inflammation of the upper digestive tract, or an ulcer. IBS is also possible, but should be considered if the other diseases are excluded.
The stomach infection that was suspected is likely H Pylori - which is associated with inflammation and ulcers. The fact that it went away after the antibiotics makes this a possibility.
If your symptoms continue, I would suggest an upper GI series, or preferably, an upper endoscopy. These are tests that can evaluate for the disorders mentioned above. If those tests are negative, you can consider a 24-hr pH study, which can comprehensively evaluate for GERD. If positive, treatment can be modified and optimized.
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.
The stomach infection that was suspected is likely H Pylori - which is associated with inflammation and ulcers. The fact that it went away after the antibiotics makes this a possibility.
If your symptoms continue, I would suggest an upper GI series, or preferably, an upper endoscopy. These are tests that can evaluate for the disorders mentioned above. If those tests are negative, you can consider a 24-hr pH study, which can comprehensively evaluate for GERD. If positive, treatment can be modified and optimized.
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.
I am not a doctor but I myself, in the past, have noticed that the effects of heartburn can be elevated by smoking. Based on this fact I can presume that air/climate could play some part in stomache related issues.
P.S. Since quitting smoking and improving my diet I rarely ever experience heartburn, formerly a problem I dealt with on a daily basis.
Most likely you have helicobacter pylori in your stomach. It's a bacterium that causes chronic inflammation (gastritis) of the inner lining of the stomach in humans. Prevacid and antibiotic will help temporary, but they do more harm to your health then benefits. So look for natural remedy. Your goal is to make your immune system stronger.