[18F] Experiencing poor digestion and related symptoms

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female has been experiencing poor digestion for the past year, necessitating frequent use of Tums due to discomfort after eating. She reports symptoms of indigestion, bloating, stomach aches, occasional soreness near the ribs, and throbbing in the stomach area. These symptoms appear to be exacerbated by stress or anxiety and do not seem to correlate strongly with specific foods or times of day. Additionally, she experiences nausea but does not vomit. Her medical history includes asthma diagnosed at age 6, but no other pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses were mentioned. She has a family history of gastrointestinal diseases on her father's side. Currently, she is not on any prescription medications and relies on over-the-counter Tums and melatonin.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing:

  • Functional Dyspepsia: This is a term used to describe persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen. It's not related to any identifiable disease or abnormality in the stomach. Symptoms can include feeling full sooner than normal or after eating less than usual, feeling bloated, and nausea.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, and managing stress. Over-the-counter medications like Tums can also help manage symptoms.

  • Gastritis: This is inflammation of the stomach lining. It can cause upper abdominal pain, nausea, and indigestion.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and, in some cases, antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection.

  • Gallstones: These are hard deposits in the gallbladder that can cause pain in the upper right abdomen. However, you mentioned your pain is around your belly button, which is not typical for gallstones.

    • Treatment can involve medications to dissolve gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where 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 and cause heartburn.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. Prescription medications and surgery may be necessary in more severe cases.

What you can do

  1. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals a day.
  2. Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. Common triggers include fatty and fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
  3. Try to manage stress, as it can worsen digestive issues. Techniques can include relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
  4. Continue taking Tums as needed, but try not to rely on them for long-term management of your symptoms.
  5. Consider trying over-the-counter medications for heartburn and acid reflux, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) or lansoprazole (Prevacid).

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

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

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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7 mo ago

People Also Ask

What is functional dyspepsia and how is it treated?

Functional dyspepsia is a condition characterized by persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen without an identifiable cause. Treatment often involves lifestyle changes such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods, and managing stress. Over-the-counter medications like antacids can also help alleviate symptoms.

How can stress and anxiety affect digestion?

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate digestive issues by increasing stomach acid production and altering gut motility, leading to symptoms like indigestion, bloating, and stomach aches. Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help improve digestion.

What are the common symptoms of gastritis?

Common symptoms of gastritis include upper abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating. Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and, if necessary, antibiotics to treat any underlying bacterial infection.

When should I seek medical attention for digestive issues?

You should seek medical attention for digestive issues if you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain, bloody or black stools, bloody or black vomit, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty swallowing. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt medical evaluation.

1 Comments

Leo#17

7 mo ago

Has your doctor ruled out a stomach ulcer? Do you feel that the TUMS is working well?

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