Bloated, burping and general stomach area soreness

I've been having gastro problems on and off for about 3 years. The symptoms were coming and going every 4-6 weeks usually lasting 2-3 days. In the last few months, they've been far more common and consistent. I have the symptoms now and have had them for about 5 days. I've seen my GP/Doctor and will be seeing him again in 10 days but I want to try and understand what's going on.

Symptoms
- bloating of abdomen
- belching/gas - at times constant burping every 5 seconds for 10-20 minutes.
- a sort of gurgling from my stomach if I "push out" my abdomen
- abdomen (especially around the stomach) tender if pressed
- firm "organ" just under my ribs on right side (gall bladder, liver?)
- dull to moderate pain in upper abdomen comes and goes
- dull pain across lower abdomen comes and goes

Eating tends to stop belching but bloating remains.

I've been given "Omeprazole Gastro-Resistant Capsules" (20mg) which I take once a day. It helps with the belching and lessens the bloating but the abdomen pains remain. It also makes my tongue feel strange and I now have a constant metallic taste in my mouth. I have had an initial blood test that showed no "inflammatory markers" but I'm not sure what else was checked. I had an STI/STD test recently with all negative results.

In particular I'm wondering if it could be caused by:
1. An ulcer.
2. Some form of malign or cancerous growth.
3. A food alergy (allergy).
4. Stress or some other "general" or environmental factor.

I did have an endoscopy and colonoscopy when the symptoms first started 3 years back but neither found anything sinister. I'm 30 now. I exercise regularly (60 minute sessions of outdoor cross training of running, and various self body weight exercises 3-4 times a week and a ~7 mile run once a week), have a resting pulse of 55 BPM, weight 74kg (163 pounds), height 184cm (6ft). I eat well although do not eat meat/chicken (due to ethical/environmental concerns) but do eat fish 1-2 a week.

Thanks for any pointers.

Andrew

[Kevin Pho, MD]

All the conditions that you mentioned are all possible.  I agree with the upper endoscopy performed previously, and a repeat test may be needed to rule out an ulcer.

More specialized tests can include a 24-hr pH study to exclude GERD, or a gastric emptying scan to evaluate for gastroparesis.  

The upper endoscopy would evaluate for a cancer within the upper digestive tract.  You can also consider abdominal imaging, with an ultrasound or CT scan, to look at the organs.  

A test for celiac disease can also be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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 Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/KevinMD
Facebook.com/KevinMDblog

[ard2009]

Thank you for your reply Doctor. I'm scheduled to see my regular GP mid next week but saw a different doctor at the same clinic today. She's prescribed me an Helicobacter breath test kit that I have to do tomorrow morning and send away with the results hopefully getting to my doctor by the time I see him next week. Based on the esult of that test, we'll move onto an endoscopy.

While I understand why this test is necessary, would an Helicobacter bacteria infection be likely to cause the symptoms I'm experiencing.. especially now that I'm getting more pains in the lower abdomen?

Andrew

[libsy]

I went to the doctors today and was given Omeprazole for the same symptoms, I have to go back for blood tests next week. I have only had one tablet up to now, what a relief, the acid has stopped, the burping is less and I feel alot better already. The only thing I really hate is the bloatedness, I wish that would go. well i will see how these pills help and let you all know next week. Good luck.
Libsy

[MaraFowler]

Hi, I've experienced pretty much those same symptoms for about 10 years or so now.. just found out after a lovely bout with a stomach bug and several trips to the ER with abdominal pains bloating nausea and other fun stuff that I won't get into the gorey details of... that I have Gallstones. You could maybe mention the thought to the dr. as like I said I've had the same symptoms.. (also found out I have kidney stones as well... yay me!) Good luck in your search.. believe me I know how frustrating it all is. =]