Indigestion starting hours after eating

I am a 45 yr old female, with no history of GI problems.  I'm about 5'7" and weigh about 130 lbs.  I'm not on any medications.  My symptoms started last Thursday.  About 2 hours after lunch I started having indigestion and felt bloated and nauseous.  The feeling worsened into the evening hours.  I slept OK that night and felt better Friday but had no appetite.  I had a light dinner Friday and felt OK afterwards until about 5 hours later when again I started feeling bloated and nauseous.   The same thing happen Saturday and yesterday -- I ate very small meals in the early afternoon, felt OK for 3-5 hours afterwards, and then started feeling very full, bloated and gassy after that.  It seems as if my food is not digesting and is just fermenting in my stomach I had a restless sleep last night because of it.  Today I feel a bit bloated, and a little bit hungry, but I'm afraid to eat.  My husband had similar symptoms about a week ago (reduced appetite & bloating), but not nearly as severe.  I had a small bowel movement today, a bit softer than normal, but I haven't had diarrhea or fever or any other symptoms.  I haven't seen my physician yet, but will make an appointment if my symptoms persist after today.  Any ideas/advice?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Look at the upper GI tract can be considered - starting with an upper GI series or upper endoscopy.  This can evaluate for GERD, an ulcer, or inflammation of the upper digestive tract.  

Further testing can be done with an abdominal ultrasound to look at the liver and gallbladder.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a gastroenterologist.

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_

[Marin29]

update: now I have diarrhea.  Ugh.

[yoshi]

may be your stomach is not producing enough acid to digest food,try drinking cranberry or pineapple juice and see if it helps.Both will raise the acid level of your stomach

[poco1023]

Hi marin29.  I've been having very similiar symptoms for the past month. bloating, gassy, belching, diarrhea (on and off)  I went to a gastrologist on tuesday and I'm scheduled for the endoscopy tomorrow.  After dealing with this for a month now I'm hoping they can tell me something, since this is very uncomfortable at times.  I had the lactose test done 2 weeks ago and went on a lactose free diet. test didnt come up with anything and diet didnt seem to help much. I'm not eating much either due to fear of how I'm going to feel. the doc doesnt believe in the lactose test too much, and he said everyone at times is lactose intolerant. he said he could give me something for that, but what I'm experiencing is different. It only gets worse with time, so I would suggest seeing someone before it gets to this point I'm at now.  good luck to you!

[merytre]

If they can't find anything from GI, make sure to see your GYN for a thorough exam.  Several female GYN problems some very serious can cause GI complaints.  Good luck  Mary

[Marin29]

Thanks everyone. My symptoms ceased about as abruptly as they started the day after my original post.  Maybe it could have been an intestinal virus? Anyway, whatever it was, I hope I don't have to experience it again.  Very unpleasant.  Good luck to the rest of you.