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What Causes Frequent Stomach Cramps, Growling Stomach And Bloating?
Question: Hi - I have been experiencing stomach cramping off and on for a couple of weeks. It has become more frequent recently. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat. The cramping is typically above my stomach, or on the left side, not typically right. I also seem to have a decent amount of growling happening. I've tried gas-x and tums, as well as heartburn meds, but nothing seems to be working. It almost feels like it's a hollow, air bubble. A few times, it has been right below my belly button.
Brief Answer:
Should be evaluated further.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,
Stomach cramps,growling or gurgling stomach and feeling of hollow,air bubble or bloating could be related to dyspepsia or acute gastritis or may be reflux esophagitis (GERD) but it needs further evaluation by clinical examination and various tests to arrive at a certain conclusion.
There might also be various other factors which may also be contributing to it,including:
i) diet (containing more fluids)
ii) any new food introduced
iii) stress
iv) hormonal changes (since you are taking birth control pills)
Since you have already tried gas-x ad heat burn medicines (like antacids etc.) without much improvement, it would be better to evaluate it further for which you may need to see physician or gastro-physician who can order various tests (like routine blood,electrolytes,urine and stool examination for R/M and ova with ultrasound of abdomen and upper GI endoscopy) and can come to a particular diagnosis and start the treatment.
Meanwhile,continue to take heart burn medicines (antacids like pantoprazole or rabeprazole) with antimotility drugs (Lomotil) which would also be helpful to alleviate this excess stomach/bowel movements.
You should also be careful with foods, especially avoid those that will alter the pH of stomach and aggravating your symptoms.
Avoid hot,oily and spicy foods rather take bland diet for initial 2 to 3 days.
Avoid eating full stomach one at a time rather take small and frequent meals.
Take soft diet only with salads (cucumber, cabbage, carrot,beat) in the meal,more take vegetables and quit alcohol (if you take).
Walk slowly after every meal but do not walk fast and avoid taking rest immediately after meal.
Hope this will help you to get better and if any query then you can ask me.
Regards,
Dr.Sandip Kabra
Should be evaluated further.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,
Stomach cramps,growling or gurgling stomach and feeling of hollow,air bubble or bloating could be related to dyspepsia or acute gastritis or may be reflux esophagitis (GERD) but it needs further evaluation by clinical examination and various tests to arrive at a certain conclusion.
There might also be various other factors which may also be contributing to it,including:
i) diet (containing more fluids)
ii) any new food introduced
iii) stress
iv) hormonal changes (since you are taking birth control pills)
Since you have already tried gas-x ad heat burn medicines (like antacids etc.) without much improvement, it would be better to evaluate it further for which you may need to see physician or gastro-physician who can order various tests (like routine blood,electrolytes,urine and stool examination for R/M and ova with ultrasound of abdomen and upper GI endoscopy) and can come to a particular diagnosis and start the treatment.
Meanwhile,continue to take heart burn medicines (antacids like pantoprazole or rabeprazole) with antimotility drugs (Lomotil) which would also be helpful to alleviate this excess stomach/bowel movements.
You should also be careful with foods, especially avoid those that will alter the pH of stomach and aggravating your symptoms.
Avoid hot,oily and spicy foods rather take bland diet for initial 2 to 3 days.
Avoid eating full stomach one at a time rather take small and frequent meals.
Take soft diet only with salads (cucumber, cabbage, carrot,beat) in the meal,more take vegetables and quit alcohol (if you take).
Walk slowly after every meal but do not walk fast and avoid taking rest immediately after meal.
Hope this will help you to get better and if any query then you can ask me.
Regards,
Dr.Sandip Kabra
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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