Major acid reflux?

  Hello, I am a 27 year old male who has been battling a chronic (?) problem for the last 30-45 days.  The problem:  each time i eat i feel somewhat bloated and start belching (about an hour after eating).  sometimes the belching brings up a bitter tasting regergitation.  this morning about an hour or so after breakfast, it happened again only this time when i belched / regergitated i noticed small "specs" of bright red blood in the liquid regergitation.  this freaked me out big time.  obviously my fear is of some sort of cancer.  any ideas what this could be? if not, what tests should i get from the doctor to find problem?
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Dear mark,
The bleeding that you saw was probably not serious.  Your symptoms of bloating regurgitation, belching are suggestive of esophageal reflux plus possibly some irritable bowel syndrome.It is unlikely that the bleeding represents a manifestation of cancer.  Before you see a doctor, you should try lifestyle modifications to determine if you can control your symptoms.
I suugest the following:
3 meals, no snacks
avoid alcohol, cigarettes, fatty foods, peppermint, chocolate
sleep with the head of your bed elevated approx 6 inches
do not drink during meals
try over-the-counter H2 receptor antagonist e.g. Tagamet HB
If you rsymptoms do not improve within 2-3 weeks of initiating these changes, see your doctor for testing and pharmacologic treatment.
This information is presented for educational purposes.  Alwaus consult you rpersonal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: esophageal reflux
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