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Suggest Treatment For Abdominal Swelling And Chronic Constipation

Posted on Fri, 6 Jan 2017

Question: I have been having the following symptoms for about a month: pain, pressure and swelling in my abdomen immediately below my breast bone and chronic constipation. I relieve it with antacids in liquid form, which then gives me diarrhea. I had a colonoscopy 3 years ago. The gastroenterologist removed several polyps. 6 months ago I went to see him because of chronic constipation and he ordered a blood test which came back normal and told me to wait until next Spring for another colonoscopy. He told me to eat more fiber, which I do. I am not a drinker, have no history of heart problems or cancer, and am otherwise healthy. I am thinking of seeing a doctor but wonder if this is necessary. Height: 6'0" - weight 220 lbs. Blood pressure - normal - no significant loss in weight yet, probably about 3-5 lbs.I cannot eat without this burning and swelling in my stomach, so I eat very small amounts at a time and then, when the burning comes, I take the antacid which relieves the burning within an hour.

Answered by Dr. Rudina Balliu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Here are some advices

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear User ! Thank you for posting your question here! I read your concern and I understand.

I would advice this time to go to check with your gastroenterologist and to inform him of the symptoms.
You may have 2 conditions : acid reflux or gastritis ( burning sensation that gets better with antacid ) and the polyps .
The constipation that persist for 1 month even you followed a high fiber diet with pressure and swelling needs further evaluation from your doctor for any polyps.
For the antacid use :if you experience diarrhoea right after you take them , may be side effect of the liquid antacids and I suggest not to use them ,to prevent dehydration.
You can take Ranitidine or PPi drugs ( esomeprazole ) .
If you experience diarrhoea even when you stop using them , this could be another sign of polyps.

To help a little with the burning , I will write you some advices :
-Yes keep the routine of eating small meals and several time.
-Avoid spicey food, fatty or fried food , coffe ,food with planty of acid .
-drink planty of water , keep high fiber diet .
Follow the advices and ask an appointment with your gastroenterologist to discuss about all the things I wrote, confirm the diagnosis .It's better to ask the treating doctor than to wait .

Hope these are helpful.
If you have any further clarifications I will be happy to help .If not you can closse the discussion.
Wish you good health!
Take Care
Dr Balliu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T