What Causes Burning Sensation In The Upper Abdomen And Extreme Fatigue?

Posted on Fri, 25 Nov 2016

Question: Hi there,
About 2 yrs ago my nephew had h pylori, was treated and that was that. Fast forward to feb 2016 my family all got a stomach bug and since then i hve had these episodes of just not feeling great. Last wednesday i woke up and felt as though i could be coming down with a bug. Ive always had heart burn but recently have developed- what i can only describe as a sour stomach. No nausea or vomitting, no loss of appetite no weight loss, just this gurgly burny stomach that usually feels better after i eat, and fatigue. I went to the dr on tuesday he palpated my abd its soft, non tender and no masses, no fever. He started me on pantoloc and he burny feeling has mostly subsided unless i am hungry, but the hyperactive bowel sounds and just kinda sluggish tired feeling persists. I have had my blood drawn for h pylori and havent really had any changes to my bowel habits. Since having my son, two years ago, which was very very traumatic i have had urgency and forever i have had an anxious tummy but nohing out of the oridinary since. I would very much like to feel better i am just wondering if this sounds like h pylori- i dont have the lab reaults yet and dont go for the urea breathe test until feb, or if its possible its a gluten or other intolerance or any advise to help me feel better ASAP

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
kindly read detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting query at HCM.

Read your query thoroughly and understood your concern.
Would try to answer in best of my capacity.

1. Blood test to exclude H.pylori is NOT a sensitive test to exclude H.pylori infection. Urea Breath Test OR Stool antigen test for H.pylori are the most recommended tests to detect H.pylori

2. Other tests that maybe done:
- Hydrogen Breath Test ( to exclude bacterial overgrowth)
- Fecal Occult Blood Test ( FOBT)
- Blood routine test ( Full Blood cell count test)

3. meanwhile advise that may help to subside your current clinical symptoms:
- continue Pantoloc
- have small meals regularly
- avoid gas producing food: cabbage, cauliflower, beans, brussels sprouts, broccoli
- warm water intake
- olive oil maybe used to prepare food ( frying)
- avoid beverages and spicy
- decrease salt intake

Wish you good and sound health

Further questions are most welcome

Regards
Dr Tayyab Malik

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (33 minutes later)

Does this sound like ots h pylori to you, or do my symptoms point to something else in your opinion. I have had a blood panel done, its normal. Also i havent had a stool sample, but am not overly concerned about blood being present- i dont have melena and no XXXXXXX vleeding and no changes to my bowel movements

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
kindly read detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Thanks for getting back.

1. FOBT is usually advised to patients who are anemic ( low hemoglobin level in blood) and/or who feel lethargic and fatigue. FOBT helps to detect blood in stool which is not visible by naked eye. if your NOT anemic ( hemoglobin level came out normal in your blood test results lately) , then NO need for FOBT.

2. Yes, H.pylori infection maybe a cause of your current clinical symptoms as you have positive family history for the bug BUT only tests can determine presence and absence of the bug. Urea Breath Test OR Stool antigen test for H.pylori are the most recommended tests to detect H.pylori; Urea Breath Test being the most sensitive.

Hope to answer your concern.
Further questions are welcomed.
if NO further questions, kindly close dialogue box.
Thank you

Wish you good and sound health.
Regards

DR Tayyab Malik

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (11 minutes later)

I havent been given medication to treat the bacteria yet, is there anything i can do to help relieve symptoms?

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
kindly read detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
It's a pleasure to answer your concerns.

H.pylori eradication requires "Triple therapy regimen" ( two antibiotics and a PPI ) for 14 days. However, this therapy is only prescribed by a healthcare practitioner; once presence of H.pylori is confirmed by any of the tests mentioned previously in above answers.
Merely symptoms can not warranty the prescription of triple therapy (just follow the additional advises given in the first answer under column 3, you'll feel better).

Hope to answer your concern.
Further questions are welcomed.
If NO further questions, kindly close dialogue box.
Thank you

Wish you good and sound health.
Regards

DR Tayyab Malik

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (55 minutes later)

Would cerfuroxime treat h pylori, i am allergic to both penicillen and clindamycin... just wondering what other options i have.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
DONT initiate treatment against H.pylori unless prescribed by Practitioner

Detailed Answer:
hi.

i understand your concern but its not advised to initiate any treatment against H.pylori until properly diagnosed by a practitioner. Further course of action should be advised by treating physician.

you may give all allergic drugs detail to treating physician.

hope this helps you.
until H.pylori test are awaited
meanwhile advise that may help to subside your current clinical symptoms:
- continue Pantoloc
- have small meals regularly
- avoid gas producing food: cabbage, cauliflower, beans, brussels sprouts, broccoli
- eat oranges
- olive oil maybe used to prepare food ( frying)
- avoid beverages and spicy
- decrease salt intake

Wish you good and sound health

Regards
Dr Tayyab Malik

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY