Heartburn and Stomach bloating/nausea

[Denoku]

Hi. I'm hoping someone could help me out!

Just last night I think I experienced Heartburn for the first time and it was while I was eating. It seemed to last for about two hours. I looked on the web because I was freaking out because I had this sharp pain in my chest. So, I tried drinking a cup of milk, which didn't seem to help. Eventually it went away. I seemed to feel fine for the most of the day but I've felt like my stomach was bloated. It didn't really hurt, it was just kind of nauseated and bloated I suppose. Then about 1 O'Clock tonight, I start feeling heartburn again. This time I haven't ate for a few hours and it just came out of  nowhere as I was sitting down watching tv. I took some Tums hoping it would go away and it hasn't. Tried drinking another glass of milk and that hasn't helped.

I've looked a different thing it could be and I'm not sure. I haven't really experience any other symptoms then heartburn and stomach bloating. It doesn't hurt to swallow and I haven't vomited.

I know the best thing to do would be just see a Doctor but I just recently got out of the Air Force for getting Asthma while in and I haven't got a chance to get Tricare yet. Even if I did I wouldn't be enrolled until August and I don't have to wait that long to find out what's wrong. I just don't know if I ate something bad and it will go away? Any help would appreciated. Thanks!

[Flycaster305]

I would urge you take the Prilosec EXACTLY as prescribed.  It is a very effective medication for many people, but if not taken as directed, one just makes expensive urine.  Usually one is directed to take it 1/2 to 1 hour prior to the major meal of the day.
There are a number of very helpful suggestions on this board.  Scroll up to the banner, hit Health Information, choose GERD and there is a wealth of information.

[Denoku]

Thanks for the replies. I wound up just going to seeing a Doctor today and paid out of pocket. I figured it was better than just waiting around to  see.  She said it was most likely GERD. I think it's most likely caused by the weight I've gained in the past few months. She said increased stomach fat/weight gain can definitely cause acid reflux. My stomach was bothering me earlier today but it's seemed fine since this evening. She also instructed me to take Prilosec for a month, cut back caffeine  and to exercise. Things I was already telling myself to do but this was definitely a wake up call to take care of things now before they get worse.

[Flycaster305]

I've had a long history of Cardiac issues, including a lot of angina, as well as problems with digestion.  They are not easy to sort out, but it sounds to me that you are having issues with what is called motility, the abililty to swallow.  Given your insurance issues, I'd suggest you stay away from eating whatever you ate prior to the symptoms, and drink a lot of water.

Certain foods can affect the ability to swallow.  In my case, it was tuna fish.
As the Doctor suggested, gall bladder issues very well may be part of the issue.  I'd suggest you go the emergency room soon if the condition continues.

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

New onset chest pain needs to be evaluated although cardiac origin is not as likely as GI sources from your description. Acid suppression with something such as Prilosec would be appropriate but the gallbladder should also be considered.