Upper Gastric IBS/ Anxiety

[NelsonAAA]

I suffer from mild Globus/ acid refux and stomach bloating.

I control the reflux with small, regular meals, Omeprazole and Gaviscon.

The stomach distension arises between meals and can be actually relieved by light snacks.

NB: The bloating causes or at least enhances my breathing distress, which is unpleasant. The respiratory problems are bad when I'm bloated and dissappear when my stomach deflates.

I have seen my GP, a Gastroenterologist and will be seeing a Pulmonologist soon.

My chest X-Ray is clear and my peak flow good.

It is thought the problems are caused by ambient anxiety.

Q. CAN YOU SUGGEST A VARIETY OF MEDICINES OR APPROACHES I MIGHT USE TO CONTROL THESE UPPER GASTRIC IBS SYMPTOMS, IN ORDER THAT I MIGHT RELIEVE THE BREATHING PROBLEM ?

Thank for your kind attention...

[mickscag]

A related discussion, upper left quadrant pressure -- with belching was started.

[reshma]

Hi, I would like to get some advice on my problem, I was having very bad heart burn & bad stomach bloatness for a couple of months, then i consulted my doctor and when for a endeoskop, they found some bacteria and was treated with some medicine, my heart burn was reduced and maybe i could say very rare i have it now compare to before. But my stomach bloatness never reduce. I use to do sit ups as thought i have fat but it always bloated very badly as if like i'm 3 months pregnant.IS it due to constipation coz i have constipation too but even if i take duplex for constipation my stomach bloatness never cure. Pls advice coz I'm getting very depressed over this as its really bloated very badly....no matter wat i do...

Thank you.

[reshma]

Hi, I would like to get some advice on my problem, I was having very bad heart burn & bad stomach bloatness for a couple of months, then i consulted my doctor and when for a endeoskop, they found some bacteria and was treated with some medicine, my heart burn was reduced and maybe i could say very rare i have it now compare to before. But my stomach bloatness never reduce. I use to do sit ups as thought i have fat but it always bloated very badly as if like i'm 3 months pregnant.IS it due to constipation coz i have constipation too but even if i take duplex for constipation my stomach bloatness never cure. Pls advice coz I'm getting very depressed over this as its really bloated very badly....no matter wat i do...

Thank you.

[reshma]

Hi, I would like to get some advice on my problem, I was having very bad heart burn & bad stomach bloatness for a couple of months, then i consulted my doctor and when for a endeoskop, they found some bacteria and was treated with some medicine, my heart burn was reduced and maybe i could say very rare i have it now compare to before. But my stomach bloatness never reduce. I use to do sit ups as thought i have fat but it always bloated very badly as if like i'm 3 months pregnant.IS it due to constipation coz i have constipation too but even if i take duplex for constipation my stomach bloatness never cure. Pls advice coz I'm getting very depressed over this as its really bloated very badly....no matter wat i do...

Thank you.

[tessa0825]

As you said they do help during surgery...They also helped me a couple weeks ago when I spent 5 days in the hosp.....I have used them many times in the last 6 months....Whenever my mind strays toward "Poor Me"....Im not giving in to that and making my family miserable..I have to get out of that mode and these CDs help to refocus those negative thoughts...Concentrating on the positive is certainly more productive than allowing the negative ones to control us....I have not had to go on anti-anxiety drugs or anti-depressants, nor do I take anything to help me get to sleep..I have enough medication in my system...I recently (last month) had to give up my job and go on disability..After working for 33 years, that leaves alot of "Feel Sorry for me Time".....So, when I am not busy or pre-occupied, instead of allowing those nasty thoughts, I listen to a CD for about 20 minutes and it becomes my fix for about 3 days.....Much cheaper and healthier than drugs, nicotine, or alcohol....I have no idea how long this may work for me but it works now....Thats not to say it would work for everyone or that they should be used in lieu of medication. Its just one option I thought I would pass on to you....Take care and best wishes, Tessa

[NelsonAAA]

Thanks for the explanation...I can see the value in using the CDs or tapes in a pre-op situation.

My anxiety can only be described as ambient.

I find that when I'm busy, happy and contented that I have few physical symptoms.

When I'm busy, unhappy and worried they flare up...at the slighest sign of stress !

[NelsonAAA]

Sorry...haven't got a clue myself, but it may (?) be somethin' to do with taking an imaginary stroll through a relaxing make-believe land of flowers, butterflies and sweet chirping birds...

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Tests to ensure there isn't any clear cause, other than IBS, should be considered first.  These would include an upper endoscopy, 24-hr pH study, and ultrasound to evaluate for any upper GI tract inflammation, ulcer, GERD or liver/gallbaldder disease.  Specifically, the 24-hr pH study should be considered to definitively rule out GERD, which can cause shortness of breath.

If negative, then IBS may be considered.  You may want to discuss whether treatment with antispasmodics may be considered in your case.  A pulmonary consult to evaluate for non-GI causes of the shortness of breath is also recommended.  

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[NelsonAAA]

Actually Yoshi, I have to say that I rarely take Gaviscon unless I have heartburn...but recently, small regular meals and Lansoprazole (similar to Omeprazole/ PPI) have largely reduced the likelihood of me having an acid problem. I don't get serious reflux as in the past. I have heard of the sodium problem though and thank you for explaining the point.

I'm taking one 30mg Zoton tablet per day (Lansoprazole), which seems to be enough...

Not sure if you can get Gas-X in the UK (?) I guess I could order on the internet.

However, I have just started taking Domperidone (Motilium) in the hope that my stomach will empty quicker...I'll see if I notice a difference...

My greatest success has been realised from using Fybogel (an orange flavoured gel/ husk drink)- if I catch the 'bloat' at the right time (maybe 3 hours after a meal), the Fybogel seems to expel air and the distension goes down...And my breathing improves. If I catch it at the wrong time, maybe too close to having a meal, it adds to my 'bloat' !

Q. What I would dearly like to know is what is anxiety related bloat?

Is it gases created by acid acting upon food?

Is it trapped air which has been taken in orally?

Why does it seem to suddenly switch ON and OFF with anxiety !?!

I guess these are the mysteries of the world !

Anyway, thanks for your kind comments..

[JSouth]

What's guided imagery?

[yoshi]

most over the counter medication such as galvescan,mylanta,maalox etc neutralise gas and reduce acid .
as far as anxiety related,if you are under stress ,wont your heart beat faster ,if you retain too much water,that is a burden for your heart.not sure about gas??

[yoshi]

gas and water retained in your body cause bloatness,thats why i mention if you notice the amount of sodium in galvescan.
you did not mention the dosage of galvescan and generic prilosec you are taking,i know the OTC 20 mg prilosec is not enough for some folks.have you tried GAS-X or EXTRA strength Gas-x which neutralise gas in your body?? if it works,that says you have gas in your body.

[tessa0825]

Guided Imagery is a proven tool for relaxation that can assist in refocusing stressful thoughts. Research shows that it can strength the immune system, reduce stress and anxiety, pain and side effects of treatments. It also has a dramatic effect on sleep...The ones I was given before surgery is a set of 2 CDs that guide you through stories that assist you to confront and work through stressful issues. ..There is also a music only segment that can be used for relaxation, sleep enhancement or during medical or surgical procedures.....Guided Imagery is NOT a substitute for medical or surgical treatment....It also should not be used by people diagnosed with a severe mental disorder or phychiatric conditions.....I know that some Hosp. hand them out for pts. that are very ill or getting ready to have surgery..I received mine from CCF and I didn't think they would do much, but, they allow you to wear your own headset into surgery if you are using these CDs..It helped so much during that time frame when you are wheeled into surgery and waiting to go to sleep.....Instead of hearing everything going on you are only hearing whats on the CDs...I was completely relaxed...I also used them during the 5 days I was in the hosp.....Im sure they would be available at music stores....Tessa

[Mommyto3]

You know this weekend i was very short of breath and TERRIFIED i went to the Dr. and he ruled everything out, then i noticed when i wasn't thinking about how I was breathing I was breathing fine, it's when i actually thought about it is when i started having trouble breathing.  Took me 3 days to realize the pattern and today I am fine :)  I know bloating makes me feel short of breath also.  I hope you feel better soon it can be so scary .

[NelsonAAA]

Yes...I agree...when you're focused on other things the problems seem to go away or at least diminish! Unfortunately, I spend alot of time in a situation where I can dwell upon things. That's when the anxiety and associated physical symptoms get a grip. I am sure if I had both a highly mentally and physically challenging life I'd be fine !!!

[tessa0825]

Im certainly not saying your problem is all from anxiety..But, if you think it is I wondered if you had ever tried "Guided Imagery" as a way to reduce stress and to learn relaxation technics? Many of the bigger hosp. offer them to Pts. who are dealing with a serious illness or in preparation of surgery...I find them very useful and many people use them for pain control. I have a very good friend that uses hers every week when she has her chemo treatments....The ones I have used, given to me by the hosp., are titled "Guided Imagery for Stressful Times"....Just thought I would mention that....Before anyone can attribute physical symptoms being caused by stress I think all possible physical illnesses should be ruled out...Tessa

[NelsonAAA]

Hi...I entirely agree with what you say...I know it's anxiety and I know these are all physical symptoms. However, the bloating seems to be present with the slightest, ambient (background) anxiety and an ongoing feature of my emotional make-up. I did notice when I was particularly busy, totally engrossed and enjoying myself at a conference last week that it subsided somewhat...Thanks for your advice.

[NelsonAAA]

Thanks Tessa...I'll investigate GUIDED IMAGERY further...

[JSouth]

You need to address the anxiety and the other problems will resolves themselves. I know because I've had the bad bloating with shortness of breath. It's pure anxiety and you need to take a course to deal with it and eliminate it. Try this course. You won't regret it.

http://www.stresscenter.com/

[yoshi]

have you noticed how much sodium galvascan have??

[NelsonAAA]

Yes, thank you Yoshi, for your kind contribution...but I'm rather more concerned about not being able to breath.