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Chest Tightness, Stomach Pain, Bloating. Blood Work Shows Poly Bacteria. Taking PrevPack. How To Get Long-term Relief?
Question: Hello...I am 37 years old and just quit smoking. I am from the south where BC Powder was commonly used....I have continued using this throughout my adulthood. For the past year...I have been experiencing tightness in my chest, stomach pain and bloating, and at times....stabbing pains in my left abdomen which goes through to my back. I have had an EKG, stress test, and CT scan...all tests are negative. My doctor did blood work and found Poly bacteria....I am on a PrevPack but dont feel any relief Any idea what this might be and how I can get relief long term. I am scared and looking for answers
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in.
I think you meant Helicobacter pylori infection , is it ? Prevpac is a combination of Lansoprazole, Amoxycillin and Clarithromycin and is used in the treatment/eradication of H. Pylori infection..
The differential diagnosis could be GERD, peptic ulcer etc. Has an gastroscopy/ endoscopy been done?
Smoking could have contributed to your current symptoms of gastritis. It is wonderful that you quit smoking.
I will take about a week or two, for you to attain symptomatic relief. There is nothing worrisome as of now. Please try to follow the below mentioned measures:
1. Avoid oily, spicy , deep fried food.
2. Avoid smoking, alcohol, tea, coffee, carbonated beverages, pickles etc.
3. Regular exercise 30-45 minutes a day for 5 days a week.
4. Sign up for yoga classes , if you have a good yoga instructor in the area. Yoga helps to relax the body and de-stress. As you might be knowing, stress worsens symptoms of gastritis.
5. Have warm water at regular intervals. At least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
6. Have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables . Cucumber is soothing to the stomach. Avoid acidic components like oranges, lime, tomatoes etc. Maintain a food diary with the time and type of food eaten every day. Find the days where you had the least symptoms and the foods that were eaten on that day. By trial and error method, include food which causes least symptoms and avoid foods which seem to worsen your symptoms.
7. Eat smaller quantity frequent meals (5-6) rather than 3 large meals a day. It is easier on your stomach.
8. Avoid lying down immediately after a meal. Wait for at least 2 hours after the last meal before lying down.
I hope I have answered your queries .I will be happy to answer any further queries you might have.
Any reviews are welcome.
Have a great day.
Regards,
Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan
Thanks for writing in.
I think you meant Helicobacter pylori infection , is it ? Prevpac is a combination of Lansoprazole, Amoxycillin and Clarithromycin and is used in the treatment/eradication of H. Pylori infection..
The differential diagnosis could be GERD, peptic ulcer etc. Has an gastroscopy/ endoscopy been done?
Smoking could have contributed to your current symptoms of gastritis. It is wonderful that you quit smoking.
I will take about a week or two, for you to attain symptomatic relief. There is nothing worrisome as of now. Please try to follow the below mentioned measures:
1. Avoid oily, spicy , deep fried food.
2. Avoid smoking, alcohol, tea, coffee, carbonated beverages, pickles etc.
3. Regular exercise 30-45 minutes a day for 5 days a week.
4. Sign up for yoga classes , if you have a good yoga instructor in the area. Yoga helps to relax the body and de-stress. As you might be knowing, stress worsens symptoms of gastritis.
5. Have warm water at regular intervals. At least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
6. Have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables . Cucumber is soothing to the stomach. Avoid acidic components like oranges, lime, tomatoes etc. Maintain a food diary with the time and type of food eaten every day. Find the days where you had the least symptoms and the foods that were eaten on that day. By trial and error method, include food which causes least symptoms and avoid foods which seem to worsen your symptoms.
7. Eat smaller quantity frequent meals (5-6) rather than 3 large meals a day. It is easier on your stomach.
8. Avoid lying down immediately after a meal. Wait for at least 2 hours after the last meal before lying down.
I hope I have answered your queries .I will be happy to answer any further queries you might have.
Any reviews are welcome.
Have a great day.
Regards,
Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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