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What Causes Shortness Of Breath, Pain Radiating To Back And Spine And Gas In Intestines?
Question: I'm having what i think is costochondritis. Have had two heart attacks but this is different. Had gall bladder out last year. Hurts when i eat too much Have lost 10 pounds in two weeks. Constant feeling of tightness and fullness. Lots of gas. Pinpoint pain at gall bladder point i think. Hurts most when i bend over. Shortness of breath. Two or three short hot flashes a day. No acid reflux. Periodic pain radiates to my back and spine. Ibuprofen decreases the pain. Has lasted three weeks. Besides cardiac and cost, what are seem other possible differentials?
Brief Answer:
Pleuritis or pancreatitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. If shortness of breath is present and a catching type of pain, then need to evaluate for pleuritis. The pain should increase with deep breathing.
2. Gas in the intestines can give a fullness feeling. Change in gut bacteria could cause increased gas, which distends the intestine and the pain should reduce with passing of gas. This could be the cause of pain, when you bend over. If no acidity feeling, probiotics should help in improving gut bacteria and reducing gas fiber. Try soluble fiber diet from fruits and vegetables.
3. Other causes that can be thought of include that of pancreas or stomach. Pancreatitis can cause pain which radiates to back. Ultrasound abdomen is necessary along with serum amylase study for evaluation. If you are alcoholic, then pancreas or liver cause definitely requires evaluation.
4. I do not expect any aortic cause, even though, it classically radiates to back as it is periodic.
However, pain should not be ignored. Do meet your doctor for a ultrasound abdomen and based on findings, further tests can be planned.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Pleuritis or pancreatitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. If shortness of breath is present and a catching type of pain, then need to evaluate for pleuritis. The pain should increase with deep breathing.
2. Gas in the intestines can give a fullness feeling. Change in gut bacteria could cause increased gas, which distends the intestine and the pain should reduce with passing of gas. This could be the cause of pain, when you bend over. If no acidity feeling, probiotics should help in improving gut bacteria and reducing gas fiber. Try soluble fiber diet from fruits and vegetables.
3. Other causes that can be thought of include that of pancreas or stomach. Pancreatitis can cause pain which radiates to back. Ultrasound abdomen is necessary along with serum amylase study for evaluation. If you are alcoholic, then pancreas or liver cause definitely requires evaluation.
4. I do not expect any aortic cause, even though, it classically radiates to back as it is periodic.
However, pain should not be ignored. Do meet your doctor for a ultrasound abdomen and based on findings, further tests can be planned.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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