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What Causes Persistent Vomiting And Burning Sensation In Abdomen In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Tue, 5 Jan 2016
Question: I am a healthy 70 year old woman on no medications. Occasionally over the last 20 years I have vomited more frequently than would be considered normal. These episodes are every few months and last a couple of hours, always at night. They are in addition to times when everyone gets sick with stomach flu (I have 10 grandchildren) I recover quickly and feel fine. I am slender and fit and exercise every day and eat mostly vegetables and whole grains. I sometimes have a problem with low blood pressure but have learned how to combat it. I do have a peptic ulcer that has been found not to be associated with H Pylori. A couple of years ago I had an MRI, C - scan and endoscopy for a different reason and nothing significant was found. Because I am generally in great health I have never pursued this, nor have my doctors. However, I had two episodes in two weeks and the last one was particularly difficult as it was undigested food and seemed to burn my esophagus. My muscles are still sore from it. It occurred to me that these episodes could be hard on me as I get older. Would you recommend trying to find a cause?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saad Sultan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
needs lifestyle modifications and workup

Detailed Answer:
Welcome at HCM
I am Dr XXXXXXX Sultan and I will be answering your query. I have gone through your query and history and being your physician I appreciate your health concerns....
Do you have diabetes ? It is not mentioned in history. Since vomiting do occur in patients with diabetes.
As far as your case is concerned , I didn't find anything abnormal in your history that points specifically to vomiting. The episodes which you have suffered from may be attributed to indigestion. You need a lifestyle modification with small frequent meals.
When is the last time you had undergone endoscopy.? If it is more than a year , then you should meet your Gastroentrologist so that you can be examined well.
If I am your attending physician I will get your ECG , RBS , renal functions tests , liver function tests along with fresh ultrasound scan of abdomen and pelvis.
Meanwhile stay calm and you may get help from Omeprazole for heart burn...
If you still have any query feel free to ask
Hope it helps
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX Sultan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saad Sultan (13 minutes later)
Thanks, Dr. XXXXXXX I am not diabetic or even near. I do have a physician but am reluctant to over-medicalize my condition since sometimes endless tests and medications can be fruitless and wasteful. I am never in any pain and do not feel any heartburn before these episodes. I do eat lightly. I was seeking your advice about whether to go forward with this, so I thank you.

My endoscopy was two years ago and was ordered after a CT scan which the radiologist thought needed further tests. The original scan was ordered to see if there was a reason for UTIs I was getting. No reason was found, but the radiologist thought there were some abnormalities, which turned out to be an ulcer which has never bothered me. Also found were some evidence of a hiatal hernia which also ever has had any symptoms.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Saad Sultan (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No need to worry about. only lifestyle modifications

Detailed Answer:
Welcome at HCM
I appreciate your follow up..
After reviewing your followup, I think you should go with it. It should not be a matter of concern for you if you are otherwise fit and healthy.
I urge you to seek Gastroentrologist help if vomiting become persistent and associated with pain and green colour. As far as physician followup is concerned , you can do it on your scheduled one. No need of scheduling it in emergency.
May you stay healthy
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX Sultan
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Saad Sultan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1049 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Vomiting And Burning Sensation In Abdomen In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: needs lifestyle modifications and workup Detailed Answer: Welcome at HCM I am Dr XXXXXXX Sultan and I will be answering your query. I have gone through your query and history and being your physician I appreciate your health concerns.... Do you have diabetes ? It is not mentioned in history. Since vomiting do occur in patients with diabetes. As far as your case is concerned , I didn't find anything abnormal in your history that points specifically to vomiting. The episodes which you have suffered from may be attributed to indigestion. You need a lifestyle modification with small frequent meals. When is the last time you had undergone endoscopy.? If it is more than a year , then you should meet your Gastroentrologist so that you can be examined well. If I am your attending physician I will get your ECG , RBS , renal functions tests , liver function tests along with fresh ultrasound scan of abdomen and pelvis. Meanwhile stay calm and you may get help from Omeprazole for heart burn... If you still have any query feel free to ask Hope it helps Regards Dr XXXXXXX Sultan