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

What Is GERD (reflux Disease) And How Is It Treated ?

Posted on Sun, 15 Apr 2012

Question: hi. I am a 39yr old male weighing approximately 150lbs. past medical history includes appendix removal, hernia surgery and unexplained blood clot (2 yrs ago). over the last 10 days i have been experiencing decreased appetite, nausea, XXXXXXX bowel movements (not diareaha), upper abdominal discomfort, growling/gurgling stomach (mainly all nite, every nite). The nausea is mainly in the am..feels slightly better a few hours afeter eating and feels much better in afternoon/evening.initially I thought this was stomach bug, but it has been a littlte over a week now. Doctor took xray of abdomen and saw a lot of gas in bowels. They decided to do an upper Gi, which showed some acid reflux. Dr. has put me on a perscription like prilosec and said these symptoms could be caused by acid reflux..im not sure i agree and wanted some other thoughts.

Answered by Dr. Mitaly (35 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for posting your query

There are various causes of XXXXXXX bowel with upper abdominal discomfort as Food poisoning,Ulcers,Malabsorption,Infectious diarrhoea etc.

The symptoms reported by you such as nausea especially at night with gurgling stomach and feeling better after food intake is indicative of Acid Reflux due to excess acid formation. Also since the Endoscopy has been done so Ulcers would have been ruled out.
XXXXXXX stool can also be due to dietary intake of spinach and brocolli or any dietary supplement.The bowel movement being normal is a good symptom.

Some suggestions for you:
Have small frequent meals in a day.
Avoid fatty,refined and processed food intake.
Have more of fresh fruits and veggies.
Do not lie down immediately after meals and go for a walk daily.
Avoid smoking and alcohol.
While lying down on bed keep your head portion elevated by using pillows to avoid reflux.
Take the prescribed medication accordingly.

If you notice any changes in the bowel motility and colour (as frequent stools and colour black or tarry in consistency)then it might be indicative of any underlying disorder and consider visiting your Healthcare Provider for evaluation

Hope I have answered your query.I will be available for follow up query if any.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mitaly (7 hours later)

Thanks for your response. The nausea tends to be more in the am hrs. Actually, today, it lasted a little longer and I had to leave work around noon bc
i could not focus. To me it seems like my body is having a tough time digesting properly, from the minute I swallow food, right up unntil it exits. I've done some research on acid reflux..and it always mentions hearburn..i am not experiencing heartburn..can it be acid reflux despite not having heartburn? and also, can an episode of acid reflux go on for 10 days like this? I am concerned bc I am losing weight as it is difficult to force food down at times. My Dr. has put me on Omeprazole (20mg)..This is day 2 of that..Just wondering, how long before the meds kick in or I know they are not working?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Mitaly (9 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX

In condition like GERD(reflux disease)acid reflux can present without heartburn and acid reflux can be there for days together.If the food is not being digested then it can be indication of Gastroparesis(slow emptying of stomach contents) But weight loss being present can indicate any Gall Bladder issue as Gall stones or Cholecystitis.
Take the prescribed medications and follow the suggestions I have explained.
If even after 5 days the symptoms persist or the symptoms worsen then consider visiting another Physician for examination and you might require USG scan to rule out any Gall Bladder disease.

Wishing you Good Health!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mitaly (5 hours later)

THanks again.
1) Can gall bladder disease/issues make me "feel sick" like this constantly? As i mentioned, once the nausea subsides and goes away i seem to be a little better and can eat. but have not felt like "myself" in over 10 days..

2) Does gall bladder disease impact bowel movements as well? Also, I drank 2 Ensure products yesterday (the dark chocolate ones to maintain weight)..and this morning had dark brown-like (like dark chocolate pudding color) bowel movements..Can ensure do that?

3) I read that gall bladder disease presents with pain. I am not really in "pain"..mine is more discomfort with the gassy, bubbly gurgling feeling in the upper abdomen.

4) lastly, I forgot to mention, I have also been experiencing night sweats the last couple of nights as well..waking up to find my shirt wet..didn't know if this was indicative of anything..

Thanks so much

Answered by Dr. Mitaly (5 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Your queries are:
1)Can gall bladder disease/issues make me "feel sick" like this constantly?
Yes Gall Bladder stones/infection can cause symptoms of nausea and make you feel sick.Since GB produces bile which helps in food digestion that can be affected.

2)Does gall bladder disease impact bowel movements as well?
Yes GB disease can cause altered bowel movements specially Diarrhoea. The dark bowel might be due to Ensure.It can happen.

3)) I read that gall bladder disease presents with pain. I am not really in "pain"..mine is more discomfort with the gassy, bubbly gurgling feeling in the upper abdomen.
Several times Gall Bladder disorders do not have pain. Though pain is the common symptom but its not like that always pain should be present.

4)I have also been experiencing night sweats the last couple of nights
Night sweats may or may not be present in the gall bladder infection.

Take Care!

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar