Recent Stomach Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: Recent Stomach Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello： <br>1. <br>Your symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux raise the suspicion of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). <br>GERD is related to dietary habits; late-night snacks, fried high-fat foods, spicy foods, and being overweight can all affect the lower esophageal sphinc

Recently, I have been experiencing stomach pain?

Hello, I have been experiencing stomach pain lately and have a habit of eating late-night snacks, consuming amounts similar to my main meals.
Recently, I often drink iced tea (sweetened) and iced yogurt on an empty stomach.
I have been staying up late to watch the World Cup, and sometimes I eat oily rice and greasy radish cake.
A few days ago, while staying up late to watch the World Cup (after having a late-night snack three hours prior, which was century egg and lean meat congee with pork floss), I suddenly felt nauseous, experienced a burning sensation and pain in my epigastric area, and my throat felt sour.
I had acid reflux with the taste of the late-night snack, but I managed to hold it in and did not vomit.
About two hours later, the pain subsided, but I continued to feel a burning sensation before eating.
When I am hungry, it hurts to eat; anything hot causes a burning pain in my stomach.
The burning sensation lasts for 30-60 minutes after meals, while room temperature or cold foods do not trigger it.
I often feel like there is something in my esophagus that makes me want to vomit.
Additionally, yesterday, my stool was green, which startled me.
Less than 10 minutes later, I had to go again, and it was still green.
After that, I had stomach pain but only passed a small amount.
My stomach keeps making noises.
I am wondering why this is happening.

By the way, over the past year, I have developed a liking for pig's blood and rice blood, and sometimes I pass black, sticky stools that cling to the toilet, resembling melted chocolate.
Sometimes the stools are watery, and other times they are of normal shape but yellow with black.
This usually occurs 2-3 days after eating.
When I return home during winter and summer breaks, my family does not have a habit of eating pig's blood, yet I still occasionally pass black, sticky, watery stools, sometimes accompanied by stomach pain and noises.
After a while, I need to go again.
I previously watched a Japanese program called "Scary Family Medicine," which introduced gastrointestinal tumors and rare diseases, so I am wondering if this is caused by my irregular lifestyle and diet.
Also, does gastric cancer present with symptoms of excessive stomach acid? (I am just curious but also a bit scared.) Is it possible that I have a gastric ulcer? Do I need to undergo an endoscopy? I am a student without a scooter, and the hospital is far from me.
I only consulted a nearby pharmacy's doctor (or pharmacist? I forgot), and he suggested that I might have a gastric ulcer and prescribed me antacids, advising me to see a doctor for an endoscopy.
I have been very busy lately and wanted to ask first because my stomach pain has been quite bothersome, and I have a lot to do.
I am feeling quite down and will not have time to go to the distant hospital for another two weeks.
I would appreciate it if you could explain this to me.
Thank you.

P.S.
I am overweight, and since attending Feng Chia University, my eating habits have changed significantly, leading to many bodily issues that I did not experience before.
My family eats very lightly, consuming mostly vegetables and fish, with little greasy food, and I did not eat late-night snacks until I came to Feng Chia.
I rarely exercise and do not smoke or drink excessively, though I sometimes inhale secondhand smoke.

Xiao Song, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/07/10

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello:
1.
Your symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux raise the suspicion of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is related to dietary habits; late-night snacks, fried high-fat foods, spicy foods, and being overweight can all affect the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to reflux.
2.
Consuming pig's blood and rice blood can cause your stool to appear black due to their iron content.
However, black, tarry stools can also indicate gastrointestinal bleeding from peptic ulcers.
3.
Gastric cancer can present with symptoms of excessive gastric acid, stomach pain, and anemia.
In severe cases, it may lead to bleeding or perforation, but it can also be asymptomatic.
4.
I recommend changing your dietary habits to avoid fried and spicy foods, chocolate, alcohol, and coffee.
Pay attention to lifestyle changes to reduce weight, consume smaller portions, and maintain a balanced diet.
Avoid eating within two hours before bedtime.
5.
If stomach pain persists, I suggest undergoing an upper endoscopy to differentiate between conditions such as gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, GERD, gastritis, polyps, tumors, and to check for any diseases related to Helicobacter pylori.
Treatment for peptic ulcers requires a specific duration, and the endoscopy should be performed on an empty stomach.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lin Ming-Hui, Internal Medicine.

Reply Date: 2006/07/10

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a range of gastrointestinal symptoms that are concerning and could potentially indicate an underlying issue. Based on your description, there are several factors to consider regarding your recent stomach pain, dietary habits, and overall health.

Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
1. Dietary Habits: Your recent dietary changes, including late-night snacking and consuming sweet iced tea and dairy products, may be contributing to your stomach issues. Foods that are high in fat or sugar can exacerbate symptoms of acid reflux or gastritis. Additionally, consuming large meals or eating close to bedtime can lead to increased gastric acid production, which may cause discomfort.

2. Gastritis or Acid Reflux: The burning sensation in your stomach and throat, along with the acid reflux symptoms (like burping and the sensation of food coming back up), suggest that you might be experiencing gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These conditions can cause inflammation of the stomach lining and increased acid production, leading to pain and discomfort.

3. Bowel Movements: The changes in your bowel movements, particularly the presence of green stools and the consistency of your stools, could be related to your diet or gastrointestinal function. Green stools can occur due to the consumption of certain foods or due to rapid transit through the intestines, which may not allow for complete digestion. The presence of black, tarry stools can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

4. Stress and Lifestyle: Stress from academic pressures and changes in lifestyle can also impact your digestive health. Stress can lead to increased gastric acid production and exacerbate symptoms of gastritis and reflux.

When to Seek Help
Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention, especially since you mentioned experiencing black stools and significant changes in your bowel habits. Here are some guidelines on when to seek help:
- Persistent Symptoms: If your stomach pain persists or worsens, or if you experience severe pain, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

- Changes in Bowel Movements: The presence of black, tarry stools or significant changes in bowel habits (e.g., diarrhea, constipation) should be evaluated by a doctor.

- Associated Symptoms: If you experience additional symptoms such as vomiting blood, unexplained weight loss, or severe fatigue, seek medical attention immediately.

Recommendations
1. Dietary Modifications: Consider adjusting your diet to include more whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid spicy, fatty, or overly sweet foods, and try to eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones.

2. Hydration: Continue to drink plenty of water, but be cautious with caffeinated or sugary beverages, as they can irritate the stomach.

3. Avoid Late-Night Eating: Try to avoid eating close to bedtime to reduce the risk of reflux symptoms.

4. Stress Management: Engage in stress-reducing activities, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies, to help manage the psychological aspects that may be affecting your digestive health.

5. Follow-Up Care: Since you mentioned that you have been prescribed acid-reducing medication, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation, including possibly undergoing an endoscopy to assess your gastrointestinal health.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to dietary changes and lifestyle factors, it is essential to rule out more serious conditions. Please prioritize seeing a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management of your symptoms.

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