[20F] Experiencing abdominal pain, gas, and reflux

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. Given your family history and your personal history of IBS, this could be a flare-up of your condition.

  • Treatment for IBS often includes dietary modifications, stress management, and sometimes medications prescribed by a doctor.

• 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 symptoms like heartburn and acidic burps.

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

• Lactose Intolerance: This is a common condition that can cause bloating, abdominal cramps, and excessive gas. You've mentioned that dairy seems to make your gas worse, which could suggest this condition.

  • Treatment for lactose intolerance usually involves avoiding foods and drinks that contain lactose.

• Side effects of medications: Both Nortriptyline and Escitalopram can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including stomach pain, gas, and constipation. It's possible that your symptoms could be related to these medications.

  • If you suspect that your medications are causing your symptoms, it's important to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.

What you can do

Here are some things you can do to manage your symptoms:

1. Try to identify and avoid foods that seem to trigger your symptoms. You've mentioned that vegetables and dairy seem to make your gas worse, so you might want to try reducing your intake of these foods to see if your symptoms improve.
2. Over-the-counter medications like Tums and Gas-X can help to relieve symptoms of gas and acid reflux. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.
3. Regular exercise can help to reduce symptoms of IBS and GERD. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
4. Stress can worsen symptoms of IBS and GERD. Try to incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation.
5. Drink plenty of water and eat a diet high in fiber to help prevent constipation.

What you should look out for

Here are some signs that you should seek medical attention:

• If your symptoms become severe or persist despite home treatment
• If you notice blood in your stool or vomit
• If you experience unexplained weight loss
• If you have difficulty swallowing
• If your symptoms are interfering with your ability to eat, sleep, or go about your daily activities

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I am not a doctor. You should reach out to a healthcare professional who can provide a formal diagnosis and treatment plan based on a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history.