Gastritis?Inflammation?or smthg else?

[moldawa]

I am a 32 yr male, exercise 4 days week, healthy diet.
About a year ago, I began to experience a pain in the abdomen (about an inch or two above belly button)the morning after drinking about 5-8 beers. It lasts about a day, then goes away on its own. I have also noticed that a lower back pain seems to accompany this pain. It seems to radiate the my lower back.....I

I only drink on weekends, but on average, I drink about 10-12 beers per weekend consistently.
I have had blood tests for h-pyroli (negative), liver enzymes were a bit high (52) then a week later back down to normal...barium swallow (negative, with a bit of reflux) and have discussed the problem with 2 GP's and a gastro specialist. They both say it is not pancreatitis, but really haven't said much else, other than it could be inflammation (the test reported some reflux). I had a colonoscopy a year ago and have also seen a urologist...all report nothing.

I dont get heartburn, or any burning...just a fairly strong pain, especially when I EXPAND MY STOMACH (as if im trying to make my belly fill with air/inhailing air to fill stomach)...

I wouldlike to know what the difference is between inflammation and gastritis...or are they esentially the same?
I also have excessive flatulence, almost always during the week, regardless of what i consume.(was diagnosed with IBS 5 yrs ago)

Is there any medication to take prior to consuming alcohol to protect the stomach? I am currently taking Pariet 20 mg, but that doesnt help with pain...tums rolaids dont provide any relief either.
PLS COMMENT ON MEDICATIONS FOR STOMACH PAIN AND TO PROTECT, GASTRITIS VS INFLAMMATION AND YOUR DIAGNOSIS/OPINION
Any advice would be appreciated.

[tummyoucher]

i too have suffered many years with stomach trouble. the last three have been terrible. the doctors said IBS. i knew it was not that something was wrong not IBS. turns out i was correct (you know your body) finally i had a CT scan and they found thickening of the lining of my stomach. they followed up with endoscopy biopsies. no h pylori found (good news) but i do have inflammation right where i have terrible pain. they tried h2 blockers. they made me turn white and pass out.(blood test to rule out anemia) they tried others but, they never helped. so now i have to wait to see what they will do next. i am not a drinker. rarely take anykind of pain meds (maybe 2 advil in the last year). before this started i ate well. now the pain goes in waves. but usually everyday i have some sort of pain and discomfort. and i have lost weight and had other symptoms too very weak and tired very pale and very dark bowel movements. it seems no one has any answers for me. doctors are mad since i can't handle h2 blockers. now i don't go back until june.but again i know my body and they still havent told me what has caused this inflammation......tummyoucher

[yoshi]

too  much flatulence??
your body is not digesting food well.

[NickyIsHere123]

Hi, I just read your post. You may have food allergies, which can really upset your tummy. Try getting tested for food allergies. Beer has a lot of yeast in it from my understanding, so it could be that you have recently developed an allergy from the yeast or pershaps another food of somekind. I would definately slack off the beers and try something more life enhancing like: veggie juice. I am serious... I am the same age as you and it is unreal how UNHEALTHY our age group is. Nobody really taught me the real secret to health and longivity...and that is juicing your veggies and fruits. Plus, they have healing properties. So, my advice even though you did not ask for it is to : GO BUY A JUICER...start reading and educating yourself about the miracle of live foods ( fruits and veggies) So many people have stomach problems and so little consume the most important foods on the planet...

Good Luck,
Nickle

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining.  

There can be several conditions.  This can include an ulcer, H Pylori infection, GERD or other motility disorders.  

You can consider an upper endoscopy for a more thorough evaluation.  

If these tests continue to be non-revealing, a 24-hr pH study can be considered to definitively rule out GERD and evaluate the acidity of the stomach.  

A more specialized test can include a gastric emptying scan looking for gastroparesis.  Although atypical, this disease can lead to some of the symptoms you are describing.

Without knowing what is causing your symptoms, I cannot recommend any medication at this time.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b