[18F] Experiencing chronic abdominal discomfort and pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. GERD can cause symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn, and it can feel like a burning pain in your chest, usually after eating. However, not everyone with GERD experiences heartburn.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. If these don't help, your doctor might recommend prescription medications or surgery.

• Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining. The inflammation of gastritis is most often the result of infection with the same bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers. Other common causes include regular use of certain pain relievers or drinking too much alcohol. Gastritis can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer.

  • Treatment involves taking antacids and other drugs to reduce stomach acid, which can help relieve gastritis symptoms and promote healing.

• Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD): Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to decrease stomach acid. If an H. pylori infection is present, it can be treated with antibiotics.

• Functional Dyspepsia: This is a chronic disorder of sensation and movement (peristalsis) in the upper digestive tract. Functional dyspepsia, also known as non-ulcer stomach pain or non-ulcer dyspepsia, is a term for recurring signs and symptoms of indigestion that have no obvious cause.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as changes in eating habits.

What you can do

You should consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, you can try the following to alleviate your symptoms:

1. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms. Common triggers include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
2. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. It's also helpful to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
3. Don't lie down after a meal. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
4. Elevate the head of your bed. If you regularly experience heartburn while trying to sleep, put gravity to work for you. Place wood or cement blocks under the feet of your bed so that the head end is raised by 6 to 9 inches.
5. Don't wear tight clothing or belts that can constrict your stomach.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain
• Bloody or black stools
• Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.