Stomach Discomfort

[Dana83]

After eating, I am experiencing stomach bubbling, nausea, bloating, and cramping. Everday after meals for the past 3 weeks  my stomach feels a bit whoozy, which makes me begin to feel nausea. Several times I have experienced diarrea, and my stool color is a light brown (caramel color). I've also experienced a pressure and eye irritation in the back of my eyes. I've tried taking Pepto Bismo and laxatives, but these are just temporary relievers. What might be the cause?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

All these symptoms are of gastritis due to acid reflux from the stomach. It is usually after eating a heavy fatty meal and sedantry lifestyle. It can also be caused by drinking too much alcohol, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or infection with bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Eat small nutritious meals at frequent intervals instead of a heavy single meal. Exercise frequently and take your dinner atleast 2 hrs prior to bedtime. Also raise the head end of the bed by 2 blocks. To help control the stomach acid, one should not drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine in them, or eat chocolate or spicy or greasy foods .

Take some OTC antacid like Mylanta.You can also take zantac(ranitidine)or prilosec(omeprazole).These will help.Also keep your fluid electrolyte balance optimum by drinking lots of fluids.

If the symptoms persist then an examination  by a physician is desirable to confirm the severity of GERD or gall bladder disease.Treatment will follow the diagnosis.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[Lady_Baglady]

Have you recently changed your diet? Started eating more healthy or maybe more unhealthily? Try eating more fresh greens and drinking lots of water. The irritation in your eyes could be from staring at a television or computer screen for to long.