What Causes Burning Sensation In Abdomen Worsening Upon Emptying Of Stomach?

Posted on Mon, 28 Mar 2016

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

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 Answered on

Wed, 1 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been having stomach pains for several months that come and go. The pain is mostly a burning sensation in the left center abdomen, sometimes right. Pain is worse on empty stomach. Noticed recently that sometimes when I twist the pain comes on. Recurrent infections (esp. UTI - most recent white count was 44/ blood always shows elevated white count 11+) and diarrhea. CT scans show fatty liver but everything else seems ok. ALT enzyme showed high at beginning of Feb. Started diarrhea again on Friday afternoon and evening (bathroom every 10-30 min) until I took 1 2mg loperamide tablet. Onset of diarrhea brought onset of pain. Since then stools have been white. Scheduled myself for gastro on 04/06. Emergency room didn't have any idea except probably need endoscopy, etc... Any suggestions on next move?

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

1. Is there any weight loss?
2. Does abdominal pain or diarrhea wake you up from sleep?
3. Does omeprazole and zantac relieve your abdominal pain?
4. Any other medical illness?
5. Was stool test done?

Regards,
Dr.R.K.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 hours later)

1. No major weight loss.
2. Yes, pain will wake me up from sleep. Diarrhea has caused embarrassment on several occasions, but not so severe at night. Fortunately, I have not been at work.
3. Both provide a little relief.
4. Diabetes, GERD, high BP.
5. Only stool test was for c.diff-negative.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ulcer dyspepsia/ Recurrent diarrhea

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the additional information.
You have ulcer dyspepsia and chronic diarrhea.

For evaluation of abdominal pain, you need to undergo upper GI endoscopy as suggested by the ER doctors. You also need to get tested for H.pylori infection. Till then continue taking Omeprazole.

The recurrent diarrhea could be diabetes or medication related. A course of Rifaximin and probiotics may be taken.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar