Suggest Treatment For Acidity Along With Indigestion

Posted on Sat, 11 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 11 Apr 2015 Answered on

Tue, 5 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : For the past couple of months I have been suffering from really bad acid problem in my stomach, I've been in prilosec for two months and I've notice that I have black looking seeds in my stool. Is the undefeated food? Do you think I might have a low acid problem because of the PPi's. Also how long does it take for a hyperacidic stomach to heal and get under control?
Meant to say undigested food

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

Having acid problems (stomach hyperacidity ) is often associated with fast bowel movements and indigestion. That's why to my opinion, the black seeds you noticed in your stool might be indigested foods.

However, I need to know if :
- you have had changes in your bowels movements : constipation? diarrhea? Loose stool?

- any changes in your diet : new foods/ drinks consumed recently?

- any iron supplement taking recently?

- or any new medication used apart Prisolec?

Looking forward to have the requested information in.
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (2 hours later)

I have been having constipation so I started magnesium calm and that has worked for me. I don't take much iron because it constipated me. I have had a flex sigmoid and abdominal ultrasound and x ray done and everything is normal. Do you think I have gastritis even though my scopes biopsy showed no inflammation and a normal stomach. Or do you think this is all excess acid due to stress? My life is extremely stressful right now and I'm also so scared that i will cause an ulcer. I was doing so good until I ate that spicey food last night and now I feel like I back at square one. How long does it take for hyperacidity to go away?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably dyspepsia/GERD,stress-aggravating factor

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for providing the additional information.

1. As you say not to take much iron, then, it makes me think that you've been using it from time in time. That could explain the black particles in your stool.

2. If you have already run upper endoscopy and no lesion has been found, then, your symptoms are not related to gastritis, but to dyspepsia, a condition, where there is no stomach inflammation or other damages, but only clinical manifestations.

Stress is an aggravating factor to hyperacidity. Actually, hyperacidy is the cause to your bowel movement changes: constipation alternating with diarrhea.

If all these factors will be well -controlled like :
- healthy eating
- more physical activity
- stress

then, you won't have problems with hyperacidity.

Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

Thank you for your reply, I would like to start tapering of my PPi next week because I think my acid issues can be controlled through diet and exercise. What is the best way to taper off them? I'm on 20mg of prilosec 2x a day. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Should switch to Prisolec 20mg once daily for 2 weeks...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

In order to taper off Prisolec 20 mg, you should switch to 2x a day to once daily for at least 2 weeks. During this time, you should apply healthy diet and lifestyle changes.

After this period, you can stop taking Prisolec.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (4 hours later)

Thank you! Today my neck has been sore to the touch around my thyroid area, could this be from acid reflux? Sorry, I've never had this before so any new symptom that I have freaks me out.

Thanks so much

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is not a typical climic for GERD,,,,

Detailed Answer:
Hi back
With regard to your symptoms like sore neck to the touch it is not related with GERD.
It may be related with a viral infection like flu or thyroid infection.
If it continue after a couple of days you can perform thyroid ultrasound and blood work.
You can use acetaminophen to relief pain.
wishing you all the best.
dr.klerida

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj