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What Must I Do About GI Issues For Over A Few Months Leading To Stomach Cramps, Gas, Continuous Belching And Nausea?
Posted on
Fri, 27 Jul 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 27 Jul 2018
Answered on
Thu, 1 Dec 2022
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello, over the past 2-3 months I have struggled badly with GI issues. My main problem is that I am extremely gassy all day, from the moment I wake up to when I go to bed at night. I can't stop burping, and this is made worse by eating anything (anything AT ALL). This is also accompanied by gurgling noises in my oesophagus. The burping doesn't provide much relief either, as I constantly feel a pressure in my stomach. I get pain/cramps in my stomach too. The pain is at it's worst when I'm hungry, and this can get so intense to the point of nausea (eating does provide some slight relief when this happens).
More recently I am also experiencing acid-reflux type symptoms, where I bring up a tiny amount of vomit and then have to swallow it back down.
I have previously been to the GP and I requested a test for helicobacter pylori as I was sure this was the causative factor. However, this test came back clear. She also prescribed me Lanzoprazole, but this makes no difference to me and doesn't help.
It's also worth mentioning that I take Dimethyl Fumarate (Tecfidera) to manage my multiple sclerosis, and I have read that it has been reported to cause similar symptoms. However, I stopped taking these for around a week (very bad of me I know, but the GI problems are so troublesome and I wanted to rule out the cause if possible) - but i didn't see any difference during that time.
I'm getting a bit worried that this could be something else more sinister. My stools are fine, no blood/tarriness or anything so that's reassuring. My appetite is also fine and I haven't lost any weight (I'm quite slim by the way, 5'4 and 8.5st, so I'm not just a gassy obese lady!). I will go back to my GP about this ASAP, there's just a delay while I wait for my files to arrive as I have just recently registered after moving house. If you have any advice, or ideas about why this is happening, I'd really appreciate it.
More recently I am also experiencing acid-reflux type symptoms, where I bring up a tiny amount of vomit and then have to swallow it back down.
I have previously been to the GP and I requested a test for helicobacter pylori as I was sure this was the causative factor. However, this test came back clear. She also prescribed me Lanzoprazole, but this makes no difference to me and doesn't help.
It's also worth mentioning that I take Dimethyl Fumarate (Tecfidera) to manage my multiple sclerosis, and I have read that it has been reported to cause similar symptoms. However, I stopped taking these for around a week (very bad of me I know, but the GI problems are so troublesome and I wanted to rule out the cause if possible) - but i didn't see any difference during that time.
I'm getting a bit worried that this could be something else more sinister. My stools are fine, no blood/tarriness or anything so that's reassuring. My appetite is also fine and I haven't lost any weight (I'm quite slim by the way, 5'4 and 8.5st, so I'm not just a gassy obese lady!). I will go back to my GP about this ASAP, there's just a delay while I wait for my files to arrive as I have just recently registered after moving house. If you have any advice, or ideas about why this is happening, I'd really appreciate it.
Brief Answer:
Dyspepsia.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces. If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe and on the other hand the bowel habits would not be proper. Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation.
In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help.
Hopefully that should help.
Regards
Dyspepsia.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces. If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe and on the other hand the bowel habits would not be proper. Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation.
In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help.
Hopefully that should help.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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