Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Bubbling And Fluttering Sensation In The Upper Abdominal Area?
Question: I have an unusual bubbly feeling and fluttering in my upper abdomen/chest. I also have a pain in the left side of my upper abdomen. I saw my cardiologist yesterday and they did an EKG, that was fine. I'm scheduled for some more tests next week but not sure if I should wait that long. Wondering if it could be something else, non heart related.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on HCM!
I passed carefully through your current medical history and would like to explain that a potential responsible cause of your complaints may be a diaphragm disorder, such as diaphragmatic spasm and/or flutter.
In this case, any factor that may impose abnormally increased pressure over diaphragm muscle or irritate the phrenic nerves could lead to the above clinical symptomatology.
A rapid eating, swallowing air, eating hot, spicy or cold foods, taking alcoholic or carbonated drinks, etc. could be the initial triggering factors.
Other additional conditions, associated with diaphragmatic spasm could be diaphragmatic strain and subsequent hiatal hernia (a condition where a part of the stomach protrudes into the thorax), which may also be expressed with chest/epigastric pain, acid reflux, etc.
Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with your attending doctor on the above mentioned issues.
If no eventual cardiac reasons will result from your upcoming scheduled tests, then it is advisable performing additional tests, such as:
- abdominal ultrasound,
- fibrogastroscopy,
- chest/abdominal CT
Hope to have been helpful to you!
In case of any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on HCM!
I passed carefully through your current medical history and would like to explain that a potential responsible cause of your complaints may be a diaphragm disorder, such as diaphragmatic spasm and/or flutter.
In this case, any factor that may impose abnormally increased pressure over diaphragm muscle or irritate the phrenic nerves could lead to the above clinical symptomatology.
A rapid eating, swallowing air, eating hot, spicy or cold foods, taking alcoholic or carbonated drinks, etc. could be the initial triggering factors.
Other additional conditions, associated with diaphragmatic spasm could be diaphragmatic strain and subsequent hiatal hernia (a condition where a part of the stomach protrudes into the thorax), which may also be expressed with chest/epigastric pain, acid reflux, etc.
Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with your attending doctor on the above mentioned issues.
If no eventual cardiac reasons will result from your upcoming scheduled tests, then it is advisable performing additional tests, such as:
- abdominal ultrasound,
- fibrogastroscopy,
- chest/abdominal CT
Hope to have been helpful to you!
In case of any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
You mention swallowing air being a potential reason. I use a CPAP at night. Could I be getting too much air with that?
Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information!
Yes, swallowing air from continuous CPAP could be a possible reason of your symptoms (bloating stomach).
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issue.
Hope to have been helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
My answer as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information!
Yes, swallowing air from continuous CPAP could be a possible reason of your symptoms (bloating stomach).
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issue.
Hope to have been helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Your symptoms seem to be related to an infection or gastro-enteritis.
I would recommend going to the ER for a physical exam and some tests:
- complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation
- a stool bacterial culture for infection
- an abdominal ultrasound.
Meanwhile, I recommend taking plenty of fluids to remain well hydrated.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Your symptoms seem to be related to an infection or gastro-enteritis.
I would recommend going to the ER for a physical exam and some tests:
- complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation
- a stool bacterial culture for infection
- an abdominal ultrasound.
Meanwhile, I recommend taking plenty of fluids to remain well hydrated.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I thought you might say that. Thank you
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
Wishing good health,
Dr.Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
Wishing good health,
Dr.Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
