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What Causes Discomfort In Stomach After Sleeping?
Posted on
Tue, 17 Jun 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 17 Jun 2014
Answered on
Mon, 7 Jul 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : On multiple occasions I have awoken in the middle of the night with, what I can only describe as, the feeling of a football shoved under my diaphragm. It feels like my stomach (internally) is solid. The pain worsens if i lay on my stomach. I have to immediately stand and hold my arms over my head in order to get full breaths. In addition, there is a dull pain that runs through my lower sternum to the middle of my back.
Brief Answer:
Detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
If this sensations are present especially after having a meal right before sleeping, acid reflux disease or peptic ulcer are most probable reason of your symptoms. You may have nausea with this issue.
If the pain radiates to the LEFT arm or jaw, shortness of breath and sweating are present, heart problem can be the reason.
As the pain radiates to the back, gallstones should be ruled out as well.
I suggest you to consult your doctor. Abdominal ultrasound, blood work, liver tests, heart ECG should be done. If nothing will be found, you should modify your diet. Avoid fatty foods, spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, orange juices. Do not eat 2 hours before sleeping. Put additional pillow under your head when sleeping. Get prescription for PPI (stomach acid blocking medicines) from your doctor.
If this wont help, you should have gastroscopy as a next step.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
If this sensations are present especially after having a meal right before sleeping, acid reflux disease or peptic ulcer are most probable reason of your symptoms. You may have nausea with this issue.
If the pain radiates to the LEFT arm or jaw, shortness of breath and sweating are present, heart problem can be the reason.
As the pain radiates to the back, gallstones should be ruled out as well.
I suggest you to consult your doctor. Abdominal ultrasound, blood work, liver tests, heart ECG should be done. If nothing will be found, you should modify your diet. Avoid fatty foods, spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, orange juices. Do not eat 2 hours before sleeping. Put additional pillow under your head when sleeping. Get prescription for PPI (stomach acid blocking medicines) from your doctor.
If this wont help, you should have gastroscopy as a next step.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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