Gastrointestinal Disorders Online Doctors Consultation — page 9

Dear Ombir, Your symptoms suggest an underlying digestive issue that needs thorough evaluation. The alternating bowel habits, undigested food in stool, excessive gas, and black stools indicate possible malabsorption, IBS, or gut infections. Since you’ve tried various treatments without lasting relief, it’s time to investigate further. Recommended Tests: • Stool Examination (Ova, parasites, fat content, occult blood) • Complete Blood Count (CBC) (Check for anemia) • Celiac Disease Panel (To rule out gluten intolerance) • Liver & Pancreatic Enzymes (Assess digestion and absorption) • H. pylori Test (If gastritis or ulcers are suspected) • SIBO Breath Test (To check for bacterial overgrowth) • Endoscopy/Colonoscopy (If bleeding or inflammatory bowel disease is suspected) Immediate Steps: • Start a probiotic to restore gut balance. • Avoid dairy, gluten, excessive sugars, and gas-producing foods. • Eat slowly and chew thoroughly to improve digestion. • Maintain hydration and balanced fiber intake to regulate bowel movements. If you notice persistent black stools, severe pain, or unexplained weight loss, seek urgent medical attention. A gastroenterologist consultation is advisable to determine the root cause and start targeted treatment. Take care.

Dear Sanganabasavareddy, I understand how frustrating it must be to deal with 15 years of hyperacidity, nausea, and brain fog despite normal test reports. Since your doctor mentioned a psychosomatic component, we need to focus on gut health, lifestyle modifications, and stress management for long-term relief. Gut Health & Dietary Adjustments Probiotics and prebiotics help balance gut bacteria and reduce IBS symptoms. Try curd, buttermilk, fermented foods, or OTC probiotic supplements. Eat frequent small meals instead of large ones to prevent acidity. Avoid spicy, fried, processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and excessive dairy as they can worsen symptoms. Stay hydrated and include fiber-rich foods like oats, bananas, and vegetables to support digestion. Avoid eating 2-3 hours before bed to prevent reflux. Lifestyle Modifications for Long-Term Relief Regular physical activity, even a 20-30 minute daily walk, can improve digestion and mental clarity. Quality sleep is essential—poor sleep can worsen acidity and memory issues, so maintaining a fixed sleep schedule and avoiding screens before bed will help. Stress management is also key, as the gut and brain are closely linked. Meditation, deep breathing (4-7-8 method), or yoga can help reduce gut stress. OTC Support (If Needed) Probiotics and digestive enzymes can help regulate gut health. Antacids like Gelusil or Digene may provide temporary relief from acidity. Ginger or fennel tea can also soothe nausea and improve digestion. Since you’re considering Ayurveda, integrating allopathy with guided Ayurvedic treatment (like Amla juice, Triphala for gut health) under supervision might help. When to Seek Further Medical Advice If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. If memory issues increase, checking B12 levels, thyroid function, and stress-related cognitive concerns may be necessary. If stress is a major trigger, psychological counseling or relaxation techniques could help. You’re already on the right path by taking proactive steps. Combining gut-friendly habits, stress management, and lifestyle changes will give you better long-term relief than just temporary fixes. Let me know if you need any more guidance!

Dear Shahbnum, Dealing with fundal gastritis and IBS for months without relief can be frustrating, especially with persistent burning sensations in the abdomen and back despite taking medications. Since you’ve already taken antibiotics and other treatments, it’s important to focus on gut healing and symptom management. Home & Lifestyle Management: 1. Dietary Modifications • Eat small, frequent meals to avoid acid buildup. • Avoid spicy, fried, and acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus, vinegar) as they can worsen burning. • Cut down on caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. • Prefer bland foods like bananas, rice, oatmeal, boiled potatoes, and yogurt. 2. Hydration & Gut Health • Drink plenty of lukewarm water and avoid very hot or cold beverages. • Try probiotics (either supplements or yogurt) to support gut health. 3. Stress & Lifestyle Changes • IBS is strongly linked to stress. Try deep breathing, yoga, or light exercise. • Avoid lying down immediately after meals to prevent acid reflux. • Maintain a regular sleep cycle. 4. OTC Symptom Relief • For acid burning, you can try OTC antacids (like gelusil or sucralfate syrup before meals). • If bloating and IBS symptoms are severe, a fiber supplement (like psyllium husk) may help. • Digestive enzymes or peppermint oil capsules can help with IBS-related discomfort. When to See a Doctor Again: 1. If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes and OTC medications. 2. If you experience unexplained weight loss, vomiting, black stools, or difficulty swallowing. 3. If a Helicobacter pylori infection wasn’t tested for, it may be worth discussing with your doctor. Since you’ve already tried multiple medications, a reassessment with a gastroenterologist might be needed. Meanwhile, focus on gut-friendly foods, stress management, and natural remedies to support healing.

Hello Sk sadia It seems like you’re experiencing abdominal discomfort, chest pain, bloating, and constipation. Since your endoscopy and colonoscopy came back normal, it could indicate a functional issue like gastritis, acid reflux (GERD), or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Suggestions: 1. Dietary Changes: • Avoid spicy, oily, and acidic foods that may irritate your stomach. • Increase fiber intake gradually (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) to relieve constipation. • Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid feeling too full. 2. Lifestyle Adjustments: • Avoid lying down immediately after eating (wait 2-3 hours). • Stay physically active to improve digestion. • Practice stress management (stress can worsen GI symptoms). 3. Hydration: • Drink plenty of water to aid digestion and relieve constipation. 4. Medications (if prescribed by your doctor): • Antacids or PPIs (like omeprazole) for acid reflux. • Laxatives (for short-term constipation relief). If the pain persists or worsens, you may need further evaluation to rule out other conditions.