What Causes Severe Heartburn With Abdominal Bloating And Gas?

Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015

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

Mon, 12 Oct 2015 Answered on

Tue, 3 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi - I have had general GI discomfort for about 5 weeks. Heartburn is the worst culprit- not really present from 11PM until wake nor early in the warning. It seems like my food is not digesting properly -- trying to cut down on fatty in-take but to no avail. Also get bloating and gas - little bit of cramping. Seems to be a spot right under the breast bone just to the right that seems irritated - sore but not always . Also burning uneasiness in the gut above the naval. I can go hours without really feeling anything especially early in the day - then it seems when I ingest food and sit - YUK.

No issues exercising or working but I feel like crap in the evenings . 56 years old - has an episode about 4 years ago - somewhat similar - had full and endo and colonoscopy - no issues - . No problems in last 3 years plus either. This really came out of nowhere - up until 5 weeks ago or so .
I was not eating properly over the Summer and developed a nasty canker sore just when the stomach problems started . That went away - but I know that is a form of ulcer also - right ? possibly related ?

Tried a PPI - omneprazole over the counter - I have an appointment with a gastro soon ( 10 days) . Just curious on your take .

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely an attack of gastritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM.

I have gone through your query. Your problem can be most likely an attack of gastritis. For ulcers night pain and hunger pain is characteristic. There is possibility of motility disorder also. Mouth sores can be caused by gastric acid reflux.

In such case i would suggest much more potent PPI like Rabeprazole along with motility enhancers like domperidone for 4 weeks. Taking antacids with anesthetics like mucaine gel will give relief also.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (24 hours later)

OK thank you - on the heartburn issue - I have the opposite issue of what I usually hear about - when I lie down it goes away - I really have no issue when lying down or in the middle of night - when I get up in the morning - everything seems fine even after breakfast its seems ok but later in the day is a problem , any suggestions ?

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Still PPI with motility enhancer will help.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.

Thank you for your follow up.

Still proton pump inhibitor along with motility enhancer will help. Also have light meals at short intervals. Like i mentioned before rabeprazole will be more effective than omeprazole. Avoid irritating foods also.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

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