issues with stomach

[medhelp111]

Hello Dr. Pho,

I have the following problem:

- About 2 years ago I got abdominal pain after I drank beer on an empty stomach.
- After that I had such recurring occurences for unkown reasons from time to time that would go away eventually.
- It is accompanied by intestinal gas, belching, gurgling.
- Lately it became worse and recurring more often.
- Sometimes I also may get greenish bowel movements, or sometimes loose bowel movements but not diarrhea.


I found on the internet that some issues with stomach might indicate intestinal yeast infection which might explain my reaction to beer since it's pure yeast. I went to my physician and he told me that he felt that I might have either increased acidity or minor gastritis. However, no gastroscopy was performed. He took blood test and I think tested for h.pillori which was on the border.

- I decided to get on yeast free diet - eating mostly chicken, turkey, brown rice, vegetables and completely eliminating diary, sugars, bread etc. Things improved but as soon as I got off the diet I started getting all those symptoms shortly after I eat.

For whatever reason I'm very concerned about the possibility of yeast infection since I've read it might be very serious if it leads to systemic infection. Do you think those could be indications that I have intestinal yeast infection? What do you think might be the problem Dr. Pho? I've had some stressfull events over the past few years and I may get excessive belching when under stress. Maybe all this somehow connected?

Sorry for the long post - just wanted to provide more details for your review.

Please help me! Thank you very much.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Yeast infections as a cause of gastric symptoms is controversial.  

If an upper endoscopy/gastroscopy hasn't been performed, that would be the appropriate next test to consider.  This can look for inflammation or ulcers that may be causing your symptoms.

More specialized tests can be considered, including a 24-hr pH study or gastric emptying scan to evaluate for GERD or delayed gastric emptying.

These options can be discussed with a gastroenterologist.  

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.
www.kevinmd.com

[ManicTiger]

Dr Pho,

My 85 year old mother has extreme anemia .... She has refused a blood transfusion based on religious beleifs .... So the Doctors here in "small-town-Louisiana" have sent her home under the care of Hospice .... That has been four (4) weeks ago .... The family has noticed NO more bleeding (orally and rectally) and her breathing and overall strenght is improving.

The problem is .... Three (3) days ago she starting vomiting .... which lasted only two (2) days .... But mom continues to suffer from Chronic Nausea .... The Hospice Doctors have prescribed Ondansetron .... But it's not very effective .... What other condition could be causing the extreme nausea ? .... She has not eaten in three (3) days .... And we have to literally force her to drive water and pedialyte.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[medhelp111]

Dr. Pho,

Thank you so much for your answer. So you don't think that it might be yeast infection? I also have dry mouth since this summer for whatever reason - maybe it's connected somehow? I had a stressful summer and I   thought it could have been a reaction to stress but I recently read that dry mouth could also be connected to yeast infection.

Will endoscopy/gastroscopy show a conclusive result? Will it also show if it's indeed yeast? What do you think this is?

Lastly will the doctor give me laughing gas before the test or IV? Can there be any negative reactions to them and which would you recommend to use?

Thank you very much.