What Causes Pain And Burning Sensation In The Upper Abdomen While On Nexium?

Posted on Wed, 11 Oct 2017

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

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 Answered on

Fri, 3 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : hi i am 57 220 pounds ive had upper abdominal pain and burning for 5 years goes up in my back left shoulder blade now pressure in my right groin ive been to family doctor and a gi doctor they have done tests are treating me for accid reflex just getting worse now after 5 years its almost un bearable my throat is buning in morning nausia every day they just say its in my head taking 300 zantac 2 times a day tried 40 of nexium a day nothing is fixing this my sister died pancreatic cancer another had bowel cacer those docters did alot of tests the only thing that has come up is a cat scan should that i was constpated but i was not contpated i asked the gi doctor if he looked at the scan he said no just the report that was two years ago im in pain all night and day

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
As discussed in details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history and understood your concerns.
Pain in upper abdomen, going to back and left shoulder blade as mentioned by you are due to GERD.
GERD means gastro-esophageal reflux disease, meaning the contents of stomach coming up the esophagus and throat thereby causing the symptoms that you have.
This is usually not associated with cancers although you have strong family history.
Investigations 2 years back were long ago and may not be of much significant after 2 days.
I would advise you the following in such a situation:
Continue Zantac or Nexium and if not much helpful change over to Pantoprazole or Omeprazole.
Also important are:
Domperidone at 8 hourly interval - may need a prescription.
Antacids, particularly when on empty stomach.
Avoidance of all the foods and beverages that instigate or enhance the problems.
Control of stress and/or anxiety is of utmost importance as it can instigate or enhance the symptoms.
Small frequent diet, early dinner and not sleeping immediately after dinner helps a lot.
If you have constipation/hard stools you can take stool softeners or laxative or high fibers in diet.
Also discuss about any further investigations like Barium study of esophagus and stomach,
Upper GI Endoscopy for knowing the exact position, cause and to know the effects of medication.

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

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