Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Acid Reflux, Regurgitation, Appetite Loss, Constipation And Headaches
Question: I'm friends with a 26-year-old woman who has no insurance and no family to assist. I'd like to help pay the cost for her to get a diagnosis of chronic symptoms that have been intensifying for more than 9 months. Not sure what kind of MD to send her to. Symptoms: acid reflux; burping up bile; no appetite until evening; constipation; headaches; throat tightness and hoarseness; swollen anus; nausea. Sounds like GERD to me. She came out of foster care with chronic anxiety, which has now lessened but symptoms are worsening.
Brief Answer:
a gastroenterologist may be the best option
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Since the majority of her symptoms relate to the gastrointestinal tract (decreased appetite, acid reflux, burping bile, constipation, nausea, anal change, hoarseness- this can occur in reflux) then you may want to consider a gastroenterologist.
This is a doctor that specializes in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Her GP may be able to refer her or you maybe able to locate one using a website like healthgrades.com that identifies doctors in different specialities and locations.\
In the mean time she can start treatment for GERD, as you mentioned, which may be contributing to some of the symptoms (not typically associated with anal swelling).
Reflux meds include nexium, prilosec, prevacid etc. It can take 5 to 7 days for these meds to kick in and they need to be combined with diet changes (reducing acid/spicy foods, smaller frequent meals instead of large meals)
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
a gastroenterologist may be the best option
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Since the majority of her symptoms relate to the gastrointestinal tract (decreased appetite, acid reflux, burping bile, constipation, nausea, anal change, hoarseness- this can occur in reflux) then you may want to consider a gastroenterologist.
This is a doctor that specializes in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Her GP may be able to refer her or you maybe able to locate one using a website like healthgrades.com that identifies doctors in different specialities and locations.\
In the mean time she can start treatment for GERD, as you mentioned, which may be contributing to some of the symptoms (not typically associated with anal swelling).
Reflux meds include nexium, prilosec, prevacid etc. It can take 5 to 7 days for these meds to kick in and they need to be combined with diet changes (reducing acid/spicy foods, smaller frequent meals instead of large meals)
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
