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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Possible Metabolic Problem
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
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.
Possible Metabolic Problem
by economist, Jul 20, 2007 12:00AM
I had been posting on the neurology forum because of throbbing in the back of my head and a drowsiness similar to the effects of a heavy meal. However, it is possible that the root of these symptoms is digestive since certain foods seem to trigger them and I cannot tolerate alcohol (it irritates my stomach and makes the throbbing much worse). My symptoms seem to worsen after “unplain” food which bloats my stomach, gives me wind. There is also blood in my stools which appears to come from the lower bowel but no clear cause. Sometimes my stomach also throbs like the back of my head. These symptoms are long standing as is GERD for which I now take a proton pump inhibitor.
I recently came across a drug called Disulfiram which is given to alcoholics and affects metabolism by “inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, blocking oxidation of alcohol and allowing acetaldehyde to accumulate to concentrations in the blood 5-10 times higher than normally achieved during alcohol metabolism”. The effect of drinking alcohol then includes throbbing in the head and neck and drowsiness. I don’t take this drug but it got me wondering about my ability to metabolise some foods and drink
I have a longstanding abnormal liver function with elevated Gamma GT and ALT even though I was never a heavy drinker. This has been diagnosed as fatty liver. Current medication is Enalapril, Amlodipine and Omeprazole which I started taking after my symptoms developed.
I recently came across a drug called Disulfiram which is given to alcoholics and affects metabolism by “inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, blocking oxidation of alcohol and allowing acetaldehyde to accumulate to concentrations in the blood 5-10 times higher than normally achieved during alcohol metabolism”. The effect of drinking alcohol then includes throbbing in the head and neck and drowsiness. I don’t take this drug but it got me wondering about my ability to metabolise some foods and drink
I have a longstanding abnormal liver function with elevated Gamma GT and ALT even though I was never a heavy drinker. This has been diagnosed as fatty liver. Current medication is Enalapril, Amlodipine and Omeprazole which I started taking after my symptoms developed.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jul 20, 2007 12:00AM
, Jul 20, 2007 12:00AM
Regarding the blood in the stools, this needs to be further evaluated with a colonoscopy to rule out possible cancer or polyps.
The stomach pains can be caused by a variety of conditions, including GERD, an ulcer, or inflammation of the upper GI tract. You can consider blood tests to look for H Pylori.
More specialized testing like a gastric emptying scan can be considered if the bloating considered. This test would rule out things like gastroparesis which can lead to bloating.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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_
The stomach pains can be caused by a variety of conditions, including GERD, an ulcer, or inflammation of the upper GI tract. You can consider blood tests to look for H Pylori.
More specialized testing like a gastric emptying scan can be considered if the bloating considered. This test would rule out things like gastroparesis which can lead to bloating.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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_
