[51M] Experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms and abdominal pain
Patient Description
A 51-year-old male reports acute onset of watery diarrhea, specifically after consuming dairy products, accompanied by tolerable abdominal pain in the upper belly region below the rib cage. The abdominal pain has been a recurring issue since 2019, diagnosed as acid reflux and managed intermittently with Pantoprazole. The patient also described the presence of yellowish jelly-like mucus in his stool. The patient's medical history includes hypertension, managed with Lifezar, and no known drug allergies. Current medications include Pantoprazole with Domperidone for acid reflux, PRO BIO GO probiotics taken at bedtime, Gaviscon sachets as needed for stomach pain, and non-acidic vitamin C.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on your symptoms, you might be experiencing:
- Lactose Intolerance: This is a common condition where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms often include diarrhea, gas, and bloating after consuming dairy products.
- Treatment typically involves avoiding or limiting foods that contain lactose. In some cases, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter lactase enzyme supplements.
- 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 can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.
- Treatment often involves lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications. In some cases, prescription medications or even surgery may be necessary.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both.
- Treatment typically involves long-term management of diet, lifestyle and stress. More-severe symptoms can be treated with medication and counseling.
Please note that these are only possible explanations for your symptoms. You should consult with a healthcare provider for a definitive diagnosis.
What you can do
Here are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms:
- Try avoiding or limiting your intake of dairy products to see if your symptoms improve.
- Continue taking your prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
- Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can help manage symptoms of GERD and IBS.
- Keep a symptom diary. Recording what you eat and how you feel can help identify triggers or patterns to your symptoms.
What you should look out for
Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blood in your stool
- Unintentional weight loss
- Persistent or worsening symptoms
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.
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11 mo ago
