Digestive Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Advice

Please help me quickly!

Dear Dr.
Chen,
I often feel a sharp pain around my stomach area, and a few days ago I had diarrhea, which I thought was caused by drinking spoiled soy milk.
However, after a few days, I started experiencing belching and diarrhea again, but there was no blood in the stool.
During this period, my stomach pain has been worsening.
When I consulted a gastroenterologist at the hospital, he told me it was nerve inflammation and only prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications.
He mentioned that I didn't need an ultrasound because I am still young, so I shouldn't worry too much.
I'm wondering if I'm overreacting, and why my symptoms don't require an ultrasound.
Given my current symptoms, is it appropriate to take anti-inflammatory medication? I'm concerned that these medications might exacerbate my condition, and I still experience some spasmodic pain near my diaphragm.
Should I seek a second opinion from another doctor? Generally speaking, what could my symptoms indicate?
Thank you very much.

Zi Yuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/04/16

Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, your symptoms seem more like gastroenteritis.
If it is an acute inflammation, usually, gastrointestinal medications are taken for a while to observe the response.
If there is no improvement and the pain persists, then an endoscopy should be considered.
As for ultrasound, it is generally used for examining solid organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, and is not suitable for hollow organs like the stomach and intestines.
You may want to discuss this further with your physician, or it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another doctor.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chen Zhi-Ping, Internal Medicine.

Reply Date: 2005/04/16

More Info

Digestive discomfort can be a complex issue, and it is essential to approach it with a thorough understanding of potential causes and appropriate medical responses. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and belching, which can be indicative of various gastrointestinal conditions.
Firstly, it is important to recognize that digestive symptoms can arise from a multitude of factors, including dietary indiscretions, infections, inflammatory conditions, and even stress or anxiety. The fact that you experienced diarrhea after consuming what you suspect was spoiled soy milk suggests a possible foodborne illness or gastrointestinal infection. Such infections can lead to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which may explain the abdominal pain and discomfort you are experiencing.

When you consulted with a gastroenterologist, they attributed your symptoms to nerve inflammation and prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications. While it is not uncommon for gastrointestinal symptoms to be linked to nerve-related issues, it is also crucial to ensure that there are no underlying structural problems or more serious conditions at play. The decision not to perform an ultrasound may be based on the physician's clinical judgment, considering your age and the nature of your symptoms. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, seeking a second opinion is entirely reasonable.

Regarding the medications prescribed, anti-inflammatory drugs can help alleviate inflammation and pain. However, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you find that the medications are not providing relief or if you experience new symptoms, such as significant changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or persistent pain, it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider or seek a gastroenterologist who can conduct a more comprehensive evaluation.

In general, digestive discomfort that is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by alarming symptoms (such as blood in the stool, severe pain, or unexplained weight loss) warrants further investigation. It is not uncommon for patients to feel anxious about their symptoms, especially when they do not receive a definitive diagnosis. However, it is crucial to advocate for your health. If you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice.

In summary, while your symptoms may not currently indicate a severe condition, it is essential to remain vigilant. Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, dietary habits, and any other relevant factors, and communicate these with your healthcare provider. If your discomfort continues or escalates, pursuing additional diagnostic tests or consultations with specialists is a reasonable course of action. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and you deserve thorough and compassionate care.

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