Bloating, Belching, and Rib Pain: A Teen's Health Journey

Q: Bloating, Belching, and Rib Pain: A Teen's Health Journey

Hello： Do not eat late-night snacks before bed, avoid eating too quickly, and do not bend over, lie face down, or lie flat after eating. <br>Try to consume easily digestible foods, and you may consider taking probiotics, which could help improve your condition. <br>If there is st

Belching, diarrhea, and pain in both sides of the rib cage?

Hello, doctor.
I am currently a sophomore in high school.
Since starting high school, my body has experienced many issues that were not common before.
The story begins in May 2020, during the second midterm exams.
I suddenly started feeling bloated and often burping, with occasional episodes of acid reflux.
I noticed that burping occurred less frequently when I was focused and busy (like during exams), but became more severe during breaks when I was thinking about why I was burping (about three times every thirty minutes).
I visited a nearby clinic, and the doctor diagnosed me with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
After my first visit, I felt no improvement, so I returned for a second consultation.
This time, I asked the doctor more in-depth questions, including, "Why am I burping?" He seemed to think I was overthinking it and simply said, "Gas is produced when gastric juices enter the small intestine and are neutralized by intestinal fluids; you are too anxious." He also asked if I experienced diarrhea, to which I replied, "I have a bowel movement once a day." He concluded that I might have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and after returning home, my burping symptoms improved.
In the following months, although I occasionally experienced the aforementioned burping symptoms, they resolved on their own, leaving me with just the daily bowel movement.
I noticed that my stool color was normal, and I felt comfortable after each bowel movement, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
(Note: To be honest, I originally weighed 82 kg, but after changing my late-night eating habits and reducing my soda intake, my weight has dropped to 76 kg as of 2021.) However, in late January 2021, I experienced burping and bloating again, this time accompanied by dull pain on both sides of my body (where the bones are easily felt), occasional pulsations or soreness in my neck, a feeling of heat in my body with cold hands and feet (without fever), and an increased frequency of yawning.
The burping was not as severe as last year, occurring about 5-6 times from dinner until bedtime.
After each burp, the bloating felt somewhat relieved, and the daily bowel movement symptoms persisted.
I researched my symptoms online and found information related to bloating, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, generalized anxiety disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome.
When I shared these concerns with people around me, they thought I was overreacting.
Doctor, what exactly is my problem? Am I overthinking and too focused on my symptoms, or is there really something wrong? (Note: Sometimes I burp once in the morning after waking up, and I have issues with nasal allergies and nasal congestion.
Aside from the burping and bloating, along with the other strange symptoms, I eat well, sleep well, and rarely have sleep issues.)

eric, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/03

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: Do not eat late-night snacks before bed, avoid eating too quickly, and do not bend over, lie face down, or lie flat after eating.
Try to consume easily digestible foods, and you may consider taking probiotics, which could help improve your condition.
If there is still no improvement and you are experiencing significant discomfort, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist to see if an endoscopy is necessary.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-Shun.

Reply Date: 2021/02/03

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex set of symptoms that can be quite distressing, especially as a high school student. Bloating, belching, and rib pain can be linked to various gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, and even lifestyle factors. Let's break down your symptoms and explore potential causes and solutions.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Bloating and Belching: These symptoms often arise from the accumulation of gas in the digestive tract. This can be due to several factors, including:
- Dietary Choices: Certain foods, especially those high in fiber (like beans and cruciferous vegetables), carbonated beverages, and dairy products, can lead to increased gas production.

- Eating Habits: Eating too quickly or while talking can cause you to swallow air, leading to belching and bloating.

- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): As you mentioned, a doctor suggested that you might have GERD, which can cause acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to discomfort and belching.

2. Rib Pain and Side Discomfort: The pain you feel on the sides of your body could be related to muscle strain, especially if you have been more active or stressed. It could also be linked to gastrointestinal issues, as bloating can sometimes cause referred pain in the rib area.

3. Neck Pain and Pulsations: Feeling your pulse in your neck or experiencing neck pain can be associated with tension, anxiety, or even posture issues, especially if you are spending long hours studying or sitting.

4. Cold Extremities and Increased Yawning: These symptoms could indicate anxiety or stress, which can affect circulation and lead to feelings of restlessness or discomfort.

5. Frequent Bowel Movements: If your bowel movements are regular and the stool is normal in color and consistency, this may not be a cause for concern. However, if you notice any changes in your bowel habits, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.

Potential Causes
Given your symptoms, it is possible that you are experiencing a combination of:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or GERD, which can cause bloating, belching, and discomfort.

- Anxiety or Stress: High school can be a stressful time, and anxiety can manifest physically, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms and muscle tension.

- Dietary Factors: Changes in your diet, such as reducing late-night snacks and sugary drinks, can impact your digestive health.

Recommendations
1. Dietary Adjustments: Keep a food diary to identify any specific foods that may trigger your symptoms. Consider reducing carbonated drinks, high-fat foods, and overly processed items.

2. Eating Habits: Try to eat slowly and mindfully. Chewing your food thoroughly can help reduce the amount of air swallowed.

3. Stress Management: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Physical activity can also help alleviate stress and improve digestion.

4. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Since your symptoms have persisted and evolved, it would be beneficial to see a gastroenterologist or a primary care physician. They may recommend tests such as an upper GI series or endoscopy to rule out any underlying conditions.

5. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of when your symptoms occur and any potential triggers. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider.

Conclusion
While it is easy to become preoccupied with symptoms, especially when they are new and concerning, it is important to approach them with a balanced perspective. Many gastrointestinal issues can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes and medical guidance. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and seeking help is a positive step towards understanding and managing your health.

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