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I Went To A Clinic Last Week With Chest Pains
Question: I went to a clinic last week with chest pains and gas, my blood pressure was 151/80. The doctor was fairly confident that it was gas, and told me to take Prilosec for 2 weeks and see if I felt better, she felt that would help. I have taken the Prilosec for a week and now I am feeling “fuzzy” and light headed. I still have gas, and pains in my chest but they are further down in my upper abdomen, I stopped taking the Prilosec today and have had my first bowel movement in days. I feel better when I am moving around. Should I go to the ER?
Brief Answer:
If no better with Movicol or if you have chest pain with effort you will need to see your doctor
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Prilosec is a drug that reduces acid production, thus alleviates symptoms related to acid reflux. Acid reflux may cause chest discomfort and gas. Rarely Prilosec may cause constipation. Mood changes and lightheadedness may happen as well.
On the other hand, it is possible that your symptoms are related to constipation from start. Constipation may cause upper abdominal pain as a part of the bowel lies in the upper area of the tummy, gas is another problem with constipation.
I would recommend you to take Movicol 2-3 sachets a day till your bowel movements are soft and daily and then 1-2 sachets a day for another 1-2 weeks. Movicol is over the counter and easily accessible in the pharmacy.
Eating frequent small amounts of food and making sure you drink plenty of water (to help stools be soft) is advisable.
If no improvement with this treatment in 3-4 days or you notice any worsening you will need to see your doctor again.
Did you have an ECG done when you were checked for this? If your chest discomfort is worse with effort (walking fast, climbing stairs, etc) or you are short of breath, heart ischemia needs to be ruled out. In this case, you will need to see your doctor as soon as possible and have an ECG and other tests to rule out a heart problem.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Kind regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
If no better with Movicol or if you have chest pain with effort you will need to see your doctor
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Prilosec is a drug that reduces acid production, thus alleviates symptoms related to acid reflux. Acid reflux may cause chest discomfort and gas. Rarely Prilosec may cause constipation. Mood changes and lightheadedness may happen as well.
On the other hand, it is possible that your symptoms are related to constipation from start. Constipation may cause upper abdominal pain as a part of the bowel lies in the upper area of the tummy, gas is another problem with constipation.
I would recommend you to take Movicol 2-3 sachets a day till your bowel movements are soft and daily and then 1-2 sachets a day for another 1-2 weeks. Movicol is over the counter and easily accessible in the pharmacy.
Eating frequent small amounts of food and making sure you drink plenty of water (to help stools be soft) is advisable.
If no improvement with this treatment in 3-4 days or you notice any worsening you will need to see your doctor again.
Did you have an ECG done when you were checked for this? If your chest discomfort is worse with effort (walking fast, climbing stairs, etc) or you are short of breath, heart ischemia needs to be ruled out. In this case, you will need to see your doctor as soon as possible and have an ECG and other tests to rule out a heart problem.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Kind regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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