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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Does my 16-year-old autistic son need upper GI?
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Does my 16-year-old autistic son need upper GI?
by Jamiesmom, May 31, 2007 12:00AM
I have a 16-year-old autistic son. For the last 11 days, he has had severe nausea/vomiting upon waking for 3-4 hours each day. By the afternoon/evening, he is able to keep food and liquids down and feels better. For a couple weeks before the severe morning nausea/vomiting started happening, I noticed he seemed uncomfortable after meals (especially after breakfast) and would salivate excessively and wipe saliva on his sleeve or spit it into the sink. When I asked him what was wrong, he would say, "Don't worry, it goes away after a while." He said "bubbles come up" and make him feel sick. We have taken him to the pediatrician twice in the last 11 days. He put him on Zantac and then switched him to Prilosec (liquid form as he cannot tolerate pills). After 11 days his symptoms have not improved and he is losing weight (8 pounds so far). I asked if they could do an upper GI but the doctor said my son would not be able to tolerate it. I asked if he could be sedated for the test (my son needs general anesthesia for dental appointments), but he said no because you have to be able to swallow. We have another appointment later today with the pediatrician and I will ask for a referral to a specialist. Do you have any suggestions/advice on what may be going on here? Is there any way to do the necessary tests on someone like my son? Thank you for your help.
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-M.D.-, Jun 01, 2007 12:00AM
I agree that an upper GI series would be helpful at this point. It would rule out many upper GI causes like GERD or an ulcer. An upper endoscopy would be the next step if the UGI was non-revealing.
If the Prilosec isn't helping, you can consider imaging the liver or gallbladder to exclude disease in these organs that may be leading to the symptoms.
More specialized tests like gastric emptying scan or 24-hr pH study can be considered if the tests remain non-revealing.
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_
If the Prilosec isn't helping, you can consider imaging the liver or gallbladder to exclude disease in these organs that may be leading to the symptoms.
More specialized tests like gastric emptying scan or 24-hr pH study can be considered if the tests remain non-revealing.
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_
