Hi Doctor, I Have Been Having Some Digestive Symptoms Latley
I have been having some digestive symptoms latley for about 6 weeks.
Full blood count and blood test for pancreas liver and gallbladder have come back completly fine. My doctor also said i had no markers for infection. ECG was also clear. waiting for results for a H pylori test.
My symptoms are;
- burping
- chest and abdominal pain
i also get left shoulder pain sometimes that seems to get better once i have burped.
what does this sound like?
can left shojfler hurt die to gas, indgestion or acid reflux?
GERD with indigestion.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone very carefully through your query. Your problem seems to be due to gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux. Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces. If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe causing pain in chest and adjoining area and on the other hand the bowel habits would not be proper. Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation.
Yes gas formed can compress the muscles which contains nerves causing pain radiation.
In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Continue to take omeprazole once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* If I had a patient like you I would perhaps have suggested Prodep (fluoxetine) 20 mg tablet (long term anxiolytic and a prescription drug) once daily for at least 2 months (it may take time for the action to set in). Discuss about this with your treating physician.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help.
You would feel better in 5 days.
Hopefully that should help.
Let me know if I could help further.