Could Chronic Abdominal Pain Be Just Gastritis?
I'm an 18-year-old Caucasian woman, a non-smoker, with no significant family medical history apart from Parkinson's disease. Despite undergoing numerous tests repeatedly, I keep receiving diagnoses of gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It’s hard to believe that my extreme discomfort can be solely attributed to a stomach ailment. The pain radiates throughout my abdomen, extending into my back, accompanied by constipation, and an intense burning sensation in my throat that drives me to distraction. My life changed dramatically around five months ago, and it feels like living in a different body. Interestingly, I experience relief when I eat or consume alcohol, contrary to what I would expect. I have gone through many procedures—CT scans, extensive blood tests, ultrasounds, and an endoscopy where they inserted a camera down my throat. Now, I feel labeled as a hypochondriac. Recently, I was prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), though previously, I had relied on over-the-counter antacids without much success. When I requested an H. pylori test, my physician declined, stating that I'm "too young" for it. Accepting that this could simply be gastritis is proving to be a challenge. Although there’s no family history of gastrointestinal problems, I do have some skeletal issues due to a past car accident (specifically spinal stenosis) and spent my childhood using NSAIDs, which some say could be linked to my condition. The pain fluctuates—sometimes intense, sometimes easing off. My appetite remains decent, but I often feel full more quickly than usual. Is it plausible that everything I’m enduring is just gastritis?
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 12:01:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
You’re experiencing significant abdominal discomfort and symptoms that are understandably distressing. While your ongoing diagnosis of gastritis and GERD can explain some of your symptoms, it’s important to consider the broader picture as persistent abdominal pain can have various underlying causes.
Explanation:
Gastritis and GERD are conditions that can indeed cause abdominal pain, burning sensations, and discomfort. However, your symptoms—especially the radiation of pain, the nature of the burning sensation, and the relief after eating or drinking alcohol—might suggest that there could be more going on than just these conditions. Posture, nerve involvement from your spinal stenosis, or even functional gastrointestinal disorders could also be contributors to your experiences.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptoms Diary: Start tracking your symptoms daily, including pain levels, types of food you eat, and their relationship to your discomfort. Note any patterns that could be relevant, like times when your symptoms improve or worsen.
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Consider Dietary Adjustments: Experiment with a low-acid diet. While you've found some relief from eating, try to identify specific foods that may be exacerbating your symptoms. Avoiding irritants like caffeine, spicy foods, and excessive fats initially may help.
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Evaluate Stress and Posture: Chronic pain can heighten stress levels and impact your experience of discomfort. Engage in mindfulness practices such as yoga or meditation to manage stress. Pay attention to your posture, especially if spinal issues are contributing to your pain.
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Revisit Your Provider: A follow-up with your healthcare provider is important, especially concerning your H. pylori test request. If you continue to experience significant discomfort, expressing your concerns and asking specifically for further gastrointestinal evaluations or referrals to specialists may be beneficial.
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Explore Non-Pharmacological Avenues: Discuss non-drug therapies or lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider that could help alleviate your symptoms, such as physical therapy for your spinal issues.
Your symptoms are valid, and navigating chronic pain can be challenging. Monitoring your condition closely and engaging in a proactive, holistic approach may help uncover other factors affecting your health and improve your quality of life. Please reach out for support as needed, and continue advocating for your health concerns.
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