HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Itching On Lower Ribs And Chest Area When Suffering From Gastritis?

Posted on Sat, 14 Feb 2015

Question: Hi there. I was diagnosed with gastric acid reflux just over a year ago. Initially I took some pantoprazole, which helped. Then I stopped and it was fine. The gastritis came and went over the next year. Now I seem to have control of it. However, at times I get some itching in my chest and along my lower ribs/top of my stomach. Last week I didn't have anything at all and this week it's been there. I haven't had alcohol the whole time nor anything really fatty. The only difference in my diet between the two weeks has been that i've eaten bread. Could this be related? Or is the itching this week likely to be something else? It's just really confusing because last week it was completely clear. Thank you for your help. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Devendra Kumar Tripathi (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
seems to be acid reflux again.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
I can understand your concern .
Based no information that you have given to me it seems to be again caused by acid peptic disease that you have mentioned gastritis . It is sometime associated with gastroesophageal reflux in which acid comes in your food pipe .
You can again start taking pantoprazole and observe that whether this itching is subsiding or not. The life style modifications that you have tried must be appreciated . Continue with that specially I would like to inform about alcohol intake and painkillers these two are very common cause of gastritis . Apart from this avoid excessive use of caffeine containing drinks , smoking and spicy fried foods .
Maintaining proper sleep hygiene and doing regular exercise will also helps in that.
If you are diagnosed with gastritis full course of pantoprazole that is 6 to 8 weeks of therapy should be taken .
hope this will help you . If you have any other concerns please feel free to message me . Thanks for contacting HCM .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Devendra Kumar Tripathi (2 days later)

Dear Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Thanks very much for your answer. I will indeed start taking pantoprazole and see whether the itching subsides.

I do have another question though. Is there a possbility that I could have a gluten or lactose intolerance? I've been careful not to consume anything fried, spicy, or alcoholic, but still (like last week) experienced irritation. Is there a safe test I can do to determine if it is gluten or lactose-based foods that are causing this? Removing them from my diet, for example?

Thanks,

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Devendra Kumar Tripathi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Look for symptomatic relief after stopping these

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I can understand your concern .

I would like to inform you that lactose intolerance presents with diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence and stomach discomfort after taking milk or daily products. As soon as you stop them , symptoms will subside .

Gluten sensitivity symptoms ranges from diarrhoea, foul smelling greasy stool, weight loss and anaemia etc. These features will be more prominent when you eat gluten containing foods such as wheat, barley and rye. You will get relief from these symptoms if you stop eating gluten containing food. Infact this is the test to diagnose and treatment of this condition .

Hope this will help you . If you have any other concerns please feel free to message me . Thanks for contacting HCM .

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj