HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Abdominal Pain, Gastric Distress, Flatulence, Reflux And Diarrhea?

default
Posted on Tue, 7 Feb 2017
Question: I am a 57 year old female, just completed menopause. Had death of my mother 4 and 1/2 years ago. Have been on blood pressure medication with a couple of changes for 5-6 years. I have asthma. I am currently on: Losartan/Hct 100-12
Singular 10mg
Ventolin inhaler as needed
Put on Lipitor 40mg in September for elevated cholesterol which almost immediately caused abdominal pain which I told my doctor in November that I could deal with.
Was changed from Lexapro to Zoloft in November as my depression was not being helped and my doctor ordered a dose over the recommended maximum dose (40mg) which didn't agree with me (caused dizziness).
Now, (actually since the end of November) I am experiencing abdominal pain, gastric distress, increased flatus, reflux, diarrhea and loose stool. The loose stool now (for two weeks) is daily after every time I eat.
The Omeprazole I started last week has helped the pain some. I also started taking pepto bismol caplets twice daily a couple of days ago which of course have turned my stool dark, but otherwise have not seemed to help.
My father had celiac disease and one of my 11 sisters also has it. This same sister also recently had lymphocytic colitis - 3 months on medication seems to have helped her. Another of my sisters has ulcerative colitis - successfully treated for the last 5 or 6 years.
I stopped the Lipitor and am weaning off the Zoloft for the last week but gastric symptoms continue.
My concern is whether the singular, which has helped my breathing greatly (I now hardly ever need my rescue inhaler and didn't like the effects of Dulera) could have caused an infectious gastroenteritis for me.
My next doctor appointment is in February.
Any ideas?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Amit Jain (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Singular tablet dont lead to infectious diarrhoea

Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thanks for putting your query in HCM. I am a Gastroenterologist.

I can understand your concerns

First of all I will advise you some tests like Anti Ttg antibody for celiac disease and Thyroid profile tests also if you have not undergone

Abdominal pain, gastric distress may be due to reflux as it is somewhat relieved with omeprazole. For reflux I will advise you to:
1.to avoid tea, coffee, oily and spicy food.
2.Also avoid citrus fruits.
3.Among medications take a proton pump inhibitor like rabeprazole instead of omeprazole as it has higher efficacy.
4.Dont lie down at least for 2 hrs after any meal and
5. Dont drink water for at least 2 hrs with any meal.

Singular tablet do not lead to diarrhoea

For loose stool I will suggest you to take plenty of fluid and electral powder to prevent fluid and electrolyte insufficiency. Also take a course of probiotics along with mild antispasmodic like drotavarine. Meanwhile get your blood and stool examine (Complete haemogram and stool routine microscopy) to see for any infection and if it is there the a course of antibiotic like ofloxacin will also be required.

I hope I have answered your query and this will help you . Wish you a good health
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Amit Jain

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 1524 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Abdominal Pain, Gastric Distress, Flatulence, Reflux And Diarrhea?

Brief Answer: Singular tablet dont lead to infectious diarrhoea Detailed Answer: Hello! Thanks for putting your query in HCM. I am a Gastroenterologist. I can understand your concerns First of all I will advise you some tests like Anti Ttg antibody for celiac disease and Thyroid profile tests also if you have not undergone Abdominal pain, gastric distress may be due to reflux as it is somewhat relieved with omeprazole. For reflux I will advise you to: 1.to avoid tea, coffee, oily and spicy food. 2.Also avoid citrus fruits. 3.Among medications take a proton pump inhibitor like rabeprazole instead of omeprazole as it has higher efficacy. 4.Dont lie down at least for 2 hrs after any meal and 5. Dont drink water for at least 2 hrs with any meal. Singular tablet do not lead to diarrhoea For loose stool I will suggest you to take plenty of fluid and electral powder to prevent fluid and electrolyte insufficiency. Also take a course of probiotics along with mild antispasmodic like drotavarine. Meanwhile get your blood and stool examine (Complete haemogram and stool routine microscopy) to see for any infection and if it is there the a course of antibiotic like ofloxacin will also be required. I hope I have answered your query and this will help you . Wish you a good health