Suggest Treatment For Chest And Navel Cramps

Posted on Tue, 8 Nov 2016

Question: I recently experienced cramps in two locations ~1/2 hour after eating. In the midsection between the navel and chest, and in the lower left quadrant. The bout dissipates after a few hours and isn't relieved by Aleve. I had this 2 days ago and I'm still sore (but not cramping) in these locations. I had this problem one other time about 5 or 6 weeks ago. I plan to go to call my GP today, but was hoping to get an idea of what it could be, so that I could mitigate (i.e. what not to eat).

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Acidity related and colits.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
Understood your concerns.
The simultaneous pain in the 2 locations as you have explained, half hour after eating can be due to the following reasons:
- Gastritis and/or duodenitis
- Colitis of the left colon. The reflex mechanism giving the colon pain as anticipated by the body mechanism can happen.
Both the conditions can co-exist.

I would advise you the following till you see your GP.
PPI like Omeprazole.
Antacid when on empty stomach.
Soft and bland diet. No spicy and oily foods at all.
No aerated drinks.
No smoking, no alcohol (if at all you have a habit).
Anxiety and/or stress can increase such symptoms as you have.

If these measure fail to help you, you should see your GP as soon as possible and also get a reference for Gastroenterologist for clinical evaluation, examination and investigations like Upper GI Endoscopy, colonoscopy, tests of stool, blood and urine and any further studies like CT scan of the abdomen if warranted.
All these to get the correct diagnosis so that the treatment can be curative.

I hope this answer helps you.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad