On Steroids For Low BP. Have Nausea, Loss Of Appetite And Stomach Pain. EGD Showed Chronic Duodenal Villitis. Will I Feel Better With Carafate?

Brief Answer:
No worries, good eating habits, drugs in the morni

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

Steroids have as common side effect, reduction of secretion of gastric mucus. Gastric mucus protects the stomach against irritation by its own acid. Reduction in its quantity then explains why steroids are toxic to the stomach.

PPIs are one of the most effective acid reducing agents. Its true that they might be very less effective in some people. Azantac, is an anti H2 inhibitor, also reducing secretion of acid. It s good in your case since you respond to them, and you will have to take the drugs normally.

Eat normally, do not stay for a long time without eating, and take preferably Steroids in the morning. This reduces the impact on irritation of the stomach since naturally, acid is secreted at night.

Eat properly, avoid lots of spices and pepper, avoid staying for a long time without eating, take Azantac as prescribed and Carafate, which protects or covers the stomach lining. take steroids mainly in the morning to reduce their impact on the stomach wall.

Thanks and kind regards. Feel free asking follow up questions in case you need specific clarifications. I will be glad contributing to your well being.

Bain LE, MD

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Brief Answer:
Too early to be too worried

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the question,

Normally, being off the drug for two weeks should make you return to a normal clinical status. Persistence of the pain would imply there was some advanced degree of stomach irritation. It is therefore justified to use anti secretory drugs (against acid secretion) like Azantac as you have been taking. I would suggest adding antiacids like Alluminium Hydroxide Tablets (Topaal, Phosphalogel) that neutralize acid and produce instantaneous relief. Persistence of pain does not actually imply treatment failure, but could simply need some long term treatment, depending on the intensity of inflammation before treatment. There are moments PPIs are associated with Azantac for faster response.

Duodonitis means inflammation of the duodenum, the first part/region of the small intestines after the stomach. Chronic Villiitis means the small structures in the wall of the stomach , the serve as the digestive surface have been inflamed for a long time. It might be justified to test for Helicobacter Pylori infection, commonly associated with stomach irritation. It is possible that there was such inflammation of infection before you started taking the drugs. Steroids might have just aggravated the situation.

The opinion of a gastroenterologist would be needed in case symptoms persist or intensify. But I think taking the drugs for about 6 weeks,adding antacids to treatment and possible association of other PPI to Azantac could be useful.

Thanks and hope this helps. Feel free asking further questions in case of need. Kind regards.

Bain LE, MD

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Brief Answer:
Thank you too.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you too for your kind words. Feel free asking any further questions in case you have specific concerns. Wishing you good health and kind regards.

Bain LE, MD

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