“Stomach pain?”
I am 16 years old. I've had constant and severe stomach pain for 4 years now. I was diagnosed with acid reflux and have been on omeprazole only recently do they think it is something else but still have had no tests done or any feedback at all. They have given me lansoprazole too but only makes symptoms worse. The pain gets worse when I eat or drink anything at all and is sometimes unbearable but taking pain medication also makes its flare-up. I have nausea, pain, bloating, vomiting occasionally, shortness of breath with the pain.They also thought there may be a problem with the epiglottis but again no follow-up tests or anything. I have tried gluten-free and lactose-free diets for a minimum of 2 weeks as well as cutting out caffeine and energy/fizzy drinks etc. and nothing has made a difference. Recently has it got worse I have had constant nausea and pain. It also makes me swallow a lot like something is coming up but it's not. I'm not sure what to do as the GP has given me no answers and having this affects my everyday life. Are there any possible conditions it may be? Or any suggestions on what to try to do to help?
Female | 16 years old
Complaint duration: 4 years
Medications: omeprazole, lansoprazole
Conditions: Acid reflux, asthma
3 Answers
Gastroenterologist|GastroenterologyGastroenterologist
Your symptoms are likely related to a gastrointestinal condition and are likely to benefit from GI specialty evaluation. Do. not use meds like lansoprazole if they make things worse. This class of meds are used for specific GI conditions and should not be used without a proper diagnosis especially if they are not improving your symptoms.
Your concerns run deep. Yes, the exact causation of your reflux and acid indigestion is important to determine. Daily regular acid reflux is very unusual in a young person. Gastroenterology Consultation with special tests is warranted. Possible causes are: 1 - gastric emptying slow down due to chronic inflammation from chronic high acid secretion; 2 - peptic ulceration and peptic gastritis; 3 -chronic infection such as Helicobacter Pylori infection in the stomach; 4 - duodenal inflammation with swelling and ulcer formation; 5 - gastrin hormone overproduction; So, evaluation is warranted and needed: ultrasound, gastric emptying studies, blood tests. Meanwhile, Recommendations: -eat small portions of food; chew thoroughly; minimize sweet foods; minimize processed carbohydrates; consume fresh fruits and vegetables daily; chew thoroughly and eat slowly and do not eat too much at once; avoid coffee; avoid alcohol; exercise after eating by
walking or cycling; stay active; make each meal small; no after-supper foods except liquids; walk after supper; walk after lunch; evacuate bowel daily; drink juices; avoid soda drinks; add Pepto Bismol tablets.
walking or cycling; stay active; make each meal small; no after-supper foods except liquids; walk after supper; walk after lunch; evacuate bowel daily; drink juices; avoid soda drinks; add Pepto Bismol tablets.
It sounds like you have functional dyspepsia. The problem is related to what is called visceral hypersensitivity. This means that the stomach is very sensitive neurologically. This is a common condition, especially in young people and in people with stress or anxiety. It does not get better with antiacid pills. As long as a reasonable work-up to look for other causes has been completed, then you might benefit from treatment for dyspepsia and any underlying anxiety. Treatment for functional nausea can also help.
