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Suggest Treatment For Indigestion, Acid Reflux And Belching
Question: Hi
I have recently started suffering with indigestion symptoms including a bit of pain behind the breastbone, excessive belching in the morning and a tiny bit of regurgitation after eating when belching.
I suffer from hypochondria very severely which is making these symptoms worse as I am terrified I have oesophagael or stomach cancer.
In May 2013 I had an EGD and multiple biopsies after some meat got stuck in my gullet. This revealed nothing of any concern.
Is it possible that cancer has developed in the last 2.5 years since my all clear? I'm terrified and this is making my acid reflux symptoms worse I think.
Thanks
I have recently started suffering with indigestion symptoms including a bit of pain behind the breastbone, excessive belching in the morning and a tiny bit of regurgitation after eating when belching.
I suffer from hypochondria very severely which is making these symptoms worse as I am terrified I have oesophagael or stomach cancer.
In May 2013 I had an EGD and multiple biopsies after some meat got stuck in my gullet. This revealed nothing of any concern.
Is it possible that cancer has developed in the last 2.5 years since my all clear? I'm terrified and this is making my acid reflux symptoms worse I think.
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Symptoms don't correlate with cancer disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thanks for putting your query in HCM. I am Dr.Amit Jain (DM, Gastroenterologist).
I can understand your concerns
Since endoscopy was normal 3 years ago it my not be cancer since the symptoms are not related to cancer. Most common symptom of oesophageal cancer is dysphagia that is difficulty in swallowing, weight loss and loss of apetite which are not there.
You are simply having reflux disease which is aggravated by stress.
So I will suggest you to take a proton pump inhibitor like rabeprazole along with a prokinetic agent like domperidone. Usually comes in combination to be taken in morning before breakfast
Take some antacids on sos basis that is whenever the symptoms are severe
Also take opinion of psychologist and discuss your issue with him, he will council you and advise treatment accordingly
Few more tips I will like to advise which I found very useful in my patients are:
1. Avoid spicy food, Tea coffee, and citrus fruits and fatty meals
2. Don' lie down at least for 2 hrs after any meal
3. Take small and frequent meals
4. Don't drink water after taking meals at least for 2 hrs
5. Do regular exercise
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further query I will be happy to answer that too. Wish you a good health
Symptoms don't correlate with cancer disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thanks for putting your query in HCM. I am Dr.Amit Jain (DM, Gastroenterologist).
I can understand your concerns
Since endoscopy was normal 3 years ago it my not be cancer since the symptoms are not related to cancer. Most common symptom of oesophageal cancer is dysphagia that is difficulty in swallowing, weight loss and loss of apetite which are not there.
You are simply having reflux disease which is aggravated by stress.
So I will suggest you to take a proton pump inhibitor like rabeprazole along with a prokinetic agent like domperidone. Usually comes in combination to be taken in morning before breakfast
Take some antacids on sos basis that is whenever the symptoms are severe
Also take opinion of psychologist and discuss your issue with him, he will council you and advise treatment accordingly
Few more tips I will like to advise which I found very useful in my patients are:
1. Avoid spicy food, Tea coffee, and citrus fruits and fatty meals
2. Don' lie down at least for 2 hrs after any meal
3. Take small and frequent meals
4. Don't drink water after taking meals at least for 2 hrs
5. Do regular exercise
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further query I will be happy to answer that too. Wish you a good health
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dear Doctor,
I've read your reply and would like to thank you for it.
I am a little worried as you have said 'it MAY not be cancer' which implies it could be. Do you mean 'I am almost certain it is not cancer'?
I was assuming that a negative EGD and biopsies 2.5 years ago all but ruled out any chance of cancer suddenly developing in the interim?
Apologies for asking for clarification but you are dealing with a serious worrier!
Thanks,
J
I've read your reply and would like to thank you for it.
I am a little worried as you have said 'it MAY not be cancer' which implies it could be. Do you mean 'I am almost certain it is not cancer'?
I was assuming that a negative EGD and biopsies 2.5 years ago all but ruled out any chance of cancer suddenly developing in the interim?
Apologies for asking for clarification but you are dealing with a serious worrier!
Thanks,
J
Brief Answer:
I mean it can't be cancer
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back
I have already explained why it can be cancer:
1. Endoscopy and biopsy 2.5 yrs ago was normal
2. Symptoms don't correlate with cancer as I have explained above
I mean earlier that it can 't be cancer
Keep cool, it is reflux disease only. Wish you a good health
I mean it can't be cancer
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back
I have already explained why it can be cancer:
1. Endoscopy and biopsy 2.5 yrs ago was normal
2. Symptoms don't correlate with cancer as I have explained above
I mean earlier that it can 't be cancer
Keep cool, it is reflux disease only. Wish you a good health
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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