Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns in Taiwan

Q: Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms and Concerns in Taiwan

Hello Mr. <br>Wei： You reported a sensation of tightness and a feeling of heaviness in the upper abdomen, which is relieved by slouching, sitting down, or eating. <br>This has been ongoing for about five years. <br>You also mentioned that you can feel a movable, soft mass on the

Gastrointestinal issues

I often feel uncomfortable when fasting, experiencing a sensation of tightness and a downward pressure in the upper abdomen.
I tend to hunch over, sit down, or eat something to alleviate the discomfort.
This has been ongoing for about five years.
I can feel a movable soft mass on the right side of my abdomen, near the upper area.
After eating, it's harder to feel.
When lying flat on an empty stomach, I sometimes notice small, bubbly sensations near the stomach that can be pressed, producing sounds of fluid and gas.
I am quite thin, measuring about 178 cm and weighing around 52 kg.
Additionally, when fasting, I experience a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen that makes me want to contract my abdominal muscles.

Wei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/06

Dr. Zhang Kebin reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello Mr.
Wei: You reported a sensation of tightness and a feeling of heaviness in the upper abdomen, which is relieved by slouching, sitting down, or eating.
This has been ongoing for about five years.
You also mentioned that you can feel a movable, soft mass on the right side of your abdomen near the upper area.
After eating, it is harder to feel, but when lying flat on an empty stomach, you sometimes notice a small, bubbly sensation near the stomach that makes a sound of fluid and gas when pressed.
Your upper abdominal symptoms may be related to a gastric condition, and the mass you feel in the right upper abdomen could be the gallbladder.
After eating, the gallbladder shrinks as bile is released.
The stomach may naturally contain gas and gastric fluid.
It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology department for an endoscopy and ultrasound examination.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2021/04/06

More Info

Understanding gastrointestinal issues can be quite complex, especially when symptoms persist over an extended period. Based on the symptoms you've described, it appears that you may be experiencing a combination of functional gastrointestinal disorders, which can include conditions such as functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or even the presence of a hiatal hernia.

The sensation of tightness or heaviness in the upper abdomen, particularly when fasting, is often associated with functional dyspepsia. This condition can manifest as discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, and a feeling of fullness after eating. The fact that eating alleviates your discomfort suggests that your symptoms may be related to gastric motility or the way your stomach processes food.
The soft, movable mass you feel in your right upper abdomen could be a number of things, including a normal anatomical structure such as the liver or gallbladder, or it could be related to gastrointestinal gas or fluid accumulation. The fact that it is more prominent when you are lying down and less noticeable after eating could indicate that it is related to your stomach's position and the presence of gas or fluid in your gastrointestinal tract.

The "bubbles" you feel near your stomach that make sounds when pressed could be indicative of trapped gas or fluid in the gastrointestinal tract. This is not uncommon, especially in individuals who may have dietary habits that lead to increased gas production, such as consuming high-fiber foods or carbonated beverages.
Your low body weight (178 cm and 52 kg) may also play a role in how your body experiences and expresses gastrointestinal discomfort. Being underweight can sometimes lead to increased sensitivity to gastrointestinal symptoms, as there may be less cushioning around the organs, making sensations more pronounced.

Given that you have been experiencing these symptoms for about five years, it is crucial to seek a thorough evaluation from a gastroenterologist. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or endoscopy to rule out any structural abnormalities or underlying conditions such as gallstones, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal disorders.

In the meantime, consider keeping a food diary to track what you eat and how it correlates with your symptoms. This can help identify potential dietary triggers. Additionally, managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling can also be beneficial, as stress is known to exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms may suggest functional gastrointestinal disorders, a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to rule out any serious underlying conditions. It is important to address these issues not only for your physical health but also for your overall well-being.

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