Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns

Q: Gastrointestinal Issues: GERD, Symptoms, and Cancer Concerns

Hello Mr. <br>Web7： Your symptoms are primarily related to gastrointestinal dysfunction and are not associated with colorectal cancer (considering your young age, absence of blood in stool, and lack of family history). <br>With patience in taking medication and adjusting your lif

Physical discomfort?

During the Lunar New Year, I overate and have been experiencing persistent burping.
Initially, I felt a sour taste coming up with the burps, but it later developed into a burning sensation in my chest.
I consulted a doctor who diagnosed me with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
After taking medication, I felt somewhat better, but I became very fatigued.
Even after about 7 hours of sleep, I still feel tired upon waking, which is unusual for me as I never experienced this level of fatigue with the same amount of sleep before.
I also noticed that my stools have been somewhat loose for about two to three days, but it’s not the kind of diarrhea that comes with abdominal pain.
Since the onset of my GERD symptoms, I have not experienced any abdominal pain.
I went back to see the doctor, who used a stethoscope to listen to my bowel sounds and asked me to lie down with my knees bent to palpate my abdomen.
He suggested that my loose stools might be due to the consistency of my bowel movements, as I mentioned that although my stools resemble diarrhea, I do not have abdominal pain.
He prescribed some medication to help regulate my gastrointestinal function.

In the past week, my fatigue has improved, but I still feel a sharp pain in my abdomen when I rotate my body to the left or right.
The pain is located just below the rib cage along the midline of my abdomen and at the lower part of my abdominal muscles.
This pain is more pronounced, but it is not the same as the abdominal pain associated with food poisoning.
I wonder if this could be related to a time when I had difficulty having a bowel movement and had to exert a lot of effort, as it doesn’t feel like the muscle soreness from doing sit-ups.
Additionally, I have been waking up with lower back pain, especially in the gluteal area, and I experience numbness in my hands upon waking, particularly in the little and ring fingers.
My urine has also been slightly yellow, but it seems to improve when I drink more water, although I still perceive it as somewhat yellow.
I later consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who indicated that I have excessive internal heat, often stay up late, and lack exercise, which could lead to dizziness and poor gastrointestinal health.
After taking some herbal medicine, my fatigue has improved, but the sharp pain in my abdomen has not significantly decreased.
I would like to inquire about the likelihood of developing colon cancer at my age.
Is the abdominal pain associated with colon cancer similar to the pain experienced with food poisoning? Since the onset of my digestive issues during the New Year, I have lost about 2 to 3 kilograms.
If it were cancer, what would be the typical weight loss? My blood pressure readings are approximately 110-130 systolic and 70-90 diastolic.
Would anemia affect these blood pressure values? If colon cancer were present, how thin would the stools typically be? Also, how can one identify blood in the stool? I have been quite worried over the past month, even though there is no family history of colon cancer, and my diet has been relatively normal.
However, I often eat out and stay up late during college, which makes me anxious.
I do not have symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits.
Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy message, and I wish you all the best.

web7, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/03/07

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello Mr.
Web7: Your symptoms are primarily related to gastrointestinal dysfunction and are not associated with colorectal cancer (considering your young age, absence of blood in stool, and lack of family history).
With patience in taking medication and adjusting your lifestyle stress and dietary habits, you should gradually improve.
If you still feel unwell, you may consider checking your liver function and thyroid function to rule out other conditions.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Best regards, Chen Shidian.

Reply Date: 2008/03/07

More Info

Understanding gastrointestinal issues, particularly those related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can be complex, especially when symptoms overlap with concerns about more serious conditions like cancer. Based on your description, it appears you are experiencing a range of symptoms, including heartburn, fatigue, changes in bowel habits, and localized abdominal pain. Let's break down these concerns and provide some insights.

GERD and Its Symptoms
GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort after eating. Your experience of feeling acidic content during burping and the subsequent burning sensation in your chest aligns with typical GERD symptoms. The medications prescribed by your doctor likely aim to reduce stomach acid production and alleviate these symptoms.

However, the fatigue and changes in bowel habits you mentioned are noteworthy. While GERD can cause discomfort, it typically does not lead to significant fatigue unless it disrupts sleep or is associated with other underlying conditions. The fact that you are feeling unusually tired despite getting a reasonable amount of sleep could indicate that your body is under stress, possibly from the discomfort or anxiety related to your gastrointestinal symptoms.

Changes in Bowel Habits
You noted experiencing looser stools for a few days without accompanying pain. This could be due to dietary changes, stress, or even the medications you are taking. It's important to monitor your bowel habits closely. If the loose stools persist or are accompanied by other symptoms like blood in the stool, significant weight loss, or severe abdominal pain, further evaluation would be warranted.

Concerns About Cancer
Your concerns about colorectal cancer, given your symptoms and family history, are understandable. While the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age and certain lifestyle factors, it is relatively uncommon in younger individuals, particularly those under 50 without a family history of the disease. Typical symptoms of colorectal cancer can include:
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
- Blood in the stool (which may appear red or dark)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent abdominal discomfort or pain
The pain associated with colorectal cancer is often described as cramping or a persistent ache rather than the sharp pain you might experience from gastrointestinal distress. The fact that you have not experienced significant abdominal pain or changes in appetite is somewhat reassuring.

Weight Loss and Blood Pressure
Regarding weight loss, a significant and unexplained drop in weight (more than 5% of body weight) over a short period can be a red flag for serious conditions, including cancer. However, a loss of 2-3 kg over a few weeks, especially if related to dietary changes or stress, may not be alarming.
Your blood pressure readings are within a normal range, and while anemia can sometimes affect blood pressure, it typically presents with other symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, or shortness of breath. If you are concerned about anemia, a complete blood count (CBC) can help determine your hemoglobin levels.

Recommendations
1. Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Given your ongoing symptoms, it would be prudent to schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider. Discuss your fatigue, bowel changes, and abdominal pain in detail. They may recommend further testing, such as a colonoscopy, especially if your symptoms persist.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, including any changes in bowel habits, weight, and overall well-being. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider.

3. Diet and Lifestyle: Consider dietary adjustments that may help alleviate GERD symptoms, such as avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, and large meals. Regular physical activity can also improve overall gastrointestinal health and reduce stress.

4. Mental Health: Since you mentioned feeling anxious about your health, consider discussing these feelings with a mental health professional. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact gastrointestinal symptoms.

In conclusion, while your symptoms warrant attention, they do not necessarily indicate a serious condition like cancer, especially given your age and lack of alarming symptoms. However, ongoing monitoring and communication with your healthcare provider are essential to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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