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Suggest Remedy For Dull Pain Under The Rib Cage

Posted on Tue, 2 Jun 2015

Question: Hello, I am 40 years old. I have had heartburn for the past couple of weeks that wakes me up at times during the night with nausea. I also have burning dull pain under my left rib cage and dull pain in my middle to lower back. They seem to be related, however I do have blown disks in my lower back and neck. I feel bloated at night after dinner but that seems to resolve in the morning. I have had some relief with Prilosec. I am in good shape and do not have any other medical conditions. My bowel movements have been frequent throughout the day and at times I have diarrhea. If I drink a beer it seems to relax me and I feel better although I do not have more than 1. I still have a good appetite and no other symptoms. My family has a history of Gerd, hiatal hernia, and colon cancer. I am hoping it is the least serious of the three. Could you please give me some insight as I could not get into my doctor for over a week from now. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

You have gastroesophageal reflux with nighttime breakthrough symptoms and a possible irritable bowel syndrome.
You have to continue taking Prilose. The nighttime breakthrough symptoms can be managed with Zantac at bedtime.
Lifestyle chages also very important.
Avoid coffee, citrus, chocolates, carbonated beverages, fatty food, smoking and alcohol.
Avoid bedtime snacks and go to bed at least 2-3 hours after food.
The other symptom diarrhea needs to be evaluated. It could possibly be due to irritable bowel syndrome. A stool test, thyroid function test, test for celiac disease and a colonoscopy need to be done.

I hope that answers your question.
Regards,
Dr.R.K

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar