Gas and Stomache Cramps

[njkarmatti]

I am 40 years old and have had heartburn for years. I took Zantac most of the time. Three years ago I went the doctor for heartburn and gas, mostly burping, they perscribed me to Nexium. I took this for 2 years which controlled my heartburn and gas. For the past year I have been taking Zantac. Three months ago on vacation I had severe heartburn and gas, the Zantac would not stop the symptoms. I went to the doctor again and he perscribed Aciphex, which I took for 10 days, but then I was having bad side effects, such as cramping, nausia, etc. At that time he had an ultra-sound on my gull bladder and he started me on Prevacid. My heartburn went away, but I am still gassy and now my stomache has been growling alot, whether I am standing, sitting or sleeping I can still feel it. I went back to the doctor for the third time in which they ran a series of tests. I had an upper endoscupy, EKG of my heart, stool sample, urine sample, several X-Rays, and many blood tests done. Everything came back negetive, except for a mild case of GERD. I have normal bowel movements. it does not make a difference on what I eat or drink, it never goes away. So my questions are: Why am I so gassy (mostly burping) and why is my stomache growling alot? On my fourth visit to the doctor he informed me that he thinks that maybe it is cause from stress. I have been under stress my whole life and have never in the past had these symptoms, therefore I know this is not the problem. Several years ago, after coming home from a hunting trip, I had somewhat of the same symptoms and at that time the doctor perscribed me an antibiotic, he felt I had some kind of an infection in my stomache. After taking the antibiotics for 2 weeks the problem went away. I have no idea what would be causing this, but I know I would like to see a doctor to be able to tell me what exactly is wrong with me.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are several possibilities including GERD, inflammation of the upper digestive tract, or an ulcer.  IBS is also possible, but should be considered if the other diseases are excluded.  

The stomach infection that was suspected is likely H Pylori - which is associated with inflammation and ulcers.  The fact that it went away after the antibiotics makes this a possibility.  

If your symptoms continue, I would suggest an upper GI series, or preferably, an upper endoscopy.  These are tests that can evaluate for the disorders mentioned above.  If those tests are negative, you can consider a 24-hr pH study, which can comprehensively evaluate for GERD.  If positive, treatment can be modified and optimized.

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.

[FFrozTT]

Do you recall travel having any effect on your symptoms (changing climate/humidity, quality of air, do you live in L.A., do you smoke?)

I am not a doctor but I myself, in the past, have noticed that the effects of heartburn can be elevated by smoking.  Based on this fact I can presume that air/climate could play some part in stomache related issues.

P.S. Since quitting smoking and improving my diet I rarely ever experience heartburn, formerly a problem I dealt with on a daily basis.

[njkarmatti]

I had an upper endocopy done,they took three biopsies of my stomach and small bowel they were benign. But he did not say anything about H-pylori or any other type of infection,I did ask him about it but he just said no.This is where he said I have a mild case of GERD.I do not smoke and drink very little.The problem started while I was in Las Vegas,I live in upper Michigan.I am taking 30mg of Prevacid each day,if I have mild case of Gerd could this be to much. Is it possible this is causing my stomach to growl?

[mikeyog21]

HERE'S A  STORY ABOUT ME WHEN I WAS 9 YEARS OLD  I STARTED TO GET STOMACH PAINS ACID AND LOOSE STOOLS I WENT TO THE DOCTOR HE TOLD ME MYTLANTA OK SO I TOOK IT FOR 3 MONTHS AND AGAIN ACID PAIN LIKE H*LL NOW I GO TO THE HOSPITAL THEY DO THE ANAL TEST PUTS THE FINGER INSIDE THERE NO BLOOD IN THE ANAL AREA THEN HE TELLS ME TO GET SOME TEST DONE UPPER GI LOWER GI AND UPPER ENDOSCOPY THEY PUT ME SEMI SLEEP I FELT THE TUBE GOING DOWN MY STOMACH GAGGING AFTER THE ENDOSCOPY WAS DONE THEY SAID I HAD H PYLORI AND TREAT ME WITH SOME MEDICINE BUT AFTER MEDICINE HAPPENED THE PANIC ATTACKS THEY GAVE ME ALRAPZAM AND SOME STOMACH MEDICINE TRYANCILLE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND 6 MONTHS ITS WAS CURED. BUT WHEN I WAS 18 YEARS OLD AT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION I FELT AGAIN SOMETHING MY STOMACH I FELT LIKE PUKING  ON THE GRASS AND NAUSEA HAPPENED AGAIN I TELL MY SELF NOT AGAIN THIS TIME IT WAS MISARBLE I HAD TO TAKE ANXITEY MEDICINE AGAIN AND PROLISC WITH 6 TESTS AGAIN EEG ENG UPPER ENDOSCOPY FLEXSIGMODSCOPY PELVIS CT SCAN MRI ON THE HEAD THEN DIZZINESS HAPPENED I ALSO WENT TO MAYO CLINIC AND THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG WITH ME AND IT WAS IN MY HEAD BUT. I DO STILL HAVE VERTIGO AND DIZZINESS CHURCHES HEIGHTS FLOURANCE LIGHTS

[viola1]

Hello njkarmatti,  
Most likely you have helicobacter pylori in your stomach. It's a bacterium that causes chronic inflammation (gastritis) of the inner lining of the stomach in humans. Prevacid and antibiotic will help temporary, but they do more harm to your health then benefits. So look for natural remedy. Your goal is to make your immune system stronger.