Seeking Advice for Ongoing Stomach Discomfort
Hello everyone, I’m an 18-year-old female, standing at 5’6" and weighing 125 pounds. Recently, I've been experiencing persistent stomach discomfort. It all began one evening when I thought I might be coming down with either a stomach virus or food poisoning. After enjoying dinner, I started feeling unwell and ended up tossing and turning throughout the night. Although I didn't actually get sick, the discomfort subsided after a day, and I assumed it was just a temporary illness. However, the issue returned. Now, I find myself waking up multiple times each night due to different sensations, ranging from nausea and sharp pains to a general feeling of unease in my stomach. Thankfully, I haven't been vomiting and my appetite remains intact, but the pain is bothersome. This has been quite frustrating, particularly since it disrupts my sleep. I’ve been trying to elevate my pillows to avoid lying flat, which helps a little, although I don’t suffer from heartburn, which is a silver lining. I'm wondering if I should consider taking probiotics or if I would be better off consulting a Primary Care physician or a Gastroenterologist. Just to clarify, I'm definitely not pregnant. Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 2:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with persistent and disruptive stomach discomfort, which can be quite frustrating. The symptoms you describe, including nausea, sharp pains, and waking at night, indicate that something in your digestive system may be causing irritation or distress. Let's break down some important aspects and practical steps you can take.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Stomach discomfort can arise from various factors including:
- Gastrointestinal issues: This may include conditions like gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), functional dyspepsia, or even an underlying infection.
- Dietary influences: Certain foods can lead to discomfort, especially if they are spicy, fatty, or difficult to digest.
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional well-being can significantly affect gut function and may exacerbate symptoms.
Next Steps for Relief
To manage your symptoms and find some relief, here are prioritized actions you can take:
-
Monitor Your Diet: Start a food diary to identify any patterns. Note what you eat, how much, and when symptoms occur. Remove any offending foods from your diet temporarily to see if symptoms improve.
-
Hydrate and Rest: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Also, prioritize sleep hygiene; if elevated pillows help, continue using them to keep your upper body elevated.
-
Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, which may help reduce symptoms related to anxiety or stress.
-
Consider Probiotics: While they're generally safe to try, the effectiveness may vary. If your symptoms are related to gut flora imbalance, probiotics might help stabilize your gut health. Look for a quality product and follow dosage instructions.
-
Seek Professional Advice: If symptoms persist beyond a couple of weeks, worsen, or if new symptoms develop (like weight loss, diarrhea, or fever), consulting a healthcare professional such as a Primary Care physician or a Gastroenterologist would be wise. They can conduct tests and provide tailored treatment options.
Final Thoughts
It's understandable to feel concerned when discomfort affects your sleep and daily life. Keep track of your symptoms and dietary habits, and consider the steps outlined above. If you notice no improvement or have further questions as you go along, professional guidance would provide clarity and peace of mind. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!
Related Questions
Exploring Probiotic Effects and Antibiotic Strategies in Gut Health
Greetings, M30. Is it possible that consuming an excess of probiotics could lead to SIBO or a similar condition? Earlier this summer, I suffered from a campylobacter infection, and in an attempt to remedy that without realizing its full extent, I resorted to high doses of probiotics. This approach, however, only aggravated my situation. I experienced severe bloating, intensified brain fog—especially after consuming carbohydrates—and following a comprehensive examination of possible causes, including an initially misleading negative test for c. jejuni that later revealed IgG antibodies in my blood, I was prescribed rifaximin (200mg four times a day). Unfortunately, after five days of rifaximin treatment, my symptoms escalated dramatically, resulting in excruciating lower abdominal pain and a marked intolerance to carbohydrates. Through my research, I discovered that the probiotic strains I had been using were sensitive to antibiotics, so I requested that my physician switch my medication to amoxicillin, which promptly resolved the issues I was facing. Complicating matters, I later learned that I had been contending with an acute bartonella infection, which likely contributed to my motility problems. As the year progressed, I indulged in kimchi after having been on antibiotics for bartonella treatment for about a month. However, I had to stop the antibiotics over the Christmas holidays when I developed rashes from herpes on my face and required alternative treatment. Following my kimchi overindulgence, I began to experience bloating again, cognitive fog intensified, and I felt a toxin-like sensation after consuming larger amounts of carbohydrates, alongside a newfound intolerance to wheat products. My doctor once again prescribed rifaximin as the primary treatment, but I am starting to notice that familiar acidic sensation in my abdomen returning. Is this reaction indicative of die-off symptoms, or could it mean that rifaximin is targeting competitors of the kimchi bacteria in my gut, resulting in their proliferation and creating a cycle where lactic acid bacteria alter the colon's pH, promoting further growth of lactic acid producers? I suspect this situation mirrors what transpired during the summer months. Would switching back to amoxicillin be advisable, or might I need to consider amoxiclav instead, given that the kimchi contained fish sauce which might be a source of beta-lactamase? Best wishes,
Eight Years of Persistent ‘Hunger’—Is It a Functional Gut Disorder?
Greetings everyone, I’m a 28-year-old woman standing at 5 feet 4 inches, and for nearly eight years, I have struggled with a constant, hollow sensation in my upper abdomen that resembles hunger. Here are some key points about my experience: - This sensation arises between meals or soon after I have eaten. - It gets momentarily better after eating but eventually returns. - Though it feels like hunger, I know it's not genuine hunger. - Mornings are especially tough as the sensation intensifies. I maintain a regular meal schedule and consume enough calories without any restrictions. Currently, I find it difficult to trust my hunger cues, so I'm tracking my calorie intake. I do not take any medications and have previously used proton pump inhibitors without any noticeable improvement. Additionally, I neither smoke nor consume alcohol. Visits to my general practitioner have yielded no definitive diagnosis, with much of the feedback being centered on dietary adjustments. I am currently facing a waiting period of approximately eight months for a gastroscopy. Strangely, I also notice that I feel particularly weak during my workouts, despite my calorie intake being sufficient. Has anyone else faced a similar long-term issue? Did you find it to be functional dyspepsia, gastritis, visceral hypersensitivity, or something entirely different? Were you able to obtain assistance through a gastroenterologist, a dietitian, or therapy? Thanks for your insights!
Seeking Guidance for Persistent Abdominal Pain and Bowel Issues
I am a 54-year-old male reaching out to seek advice regarding ongoing complications related to bowel movement and abdominal discomfort. I have been experiencing a tendency for stools to become backed up in the ascending and transverse sections of my colon, coupled with persistent, diffuse pain in the central right side of my abdomen, particularly at the junction of the terminal ileum and cecum. The discomfort around the ileocecal valve manifests itself with noticeable grunting noises, especially after eating and during movement or when sitting upright. The pain intensifies with physical activity and tends to alleviate when I lie down. I frequently experience a nagging pressure in my lower abdomen, especially while standing or sitting. Following meals, I notice pain in the midgut area and at the terminal ileum-cecal juncture, surfacing about 30 to 60 minutes post-ingestion, alongside a late-day increase in tenderness in the ascending colon, which is exacerbated by movement or bending sideways. In a previous visit to the emergency department, a CT scan with contrast was performed, and the attending physician indicated that I was experiencing stool buildup without any obstruction. They noted an unusual angle concerning my terminal ileum's alignment with the cecum, suggesting it appeared taut. Unfortunately, this evaluation did not lead to any conclusive treatment or diagnosis, which leads me to wonder if there might be a congenital or mechanical issue at play in the ileocecal region. My medical tests have indicated elevated calprotectin levels of 804 and 360, alongside a C-reactive protein reading of 26. A CT angiogram on September 25 revealed the presence of stool in the terminal ileum, contributing to my concerns. I am inquiring whether there are additional tests I should consider beyond a supine CT. Thus far, I have undergone a CT scan with contrast, a CT enterography (which did not reveal Crohn’s disease), a pill camera test (the results were inconclusive), abdominal X-rays, and a Sitzmarker test (which passed through successfully). I have also had three colonoscopies; two of them were unable to navigate to the terminal ileum, while the last one managed to reach enough depth to perform a biopsy that revealed some minor erosions, supposedly related to stool buildup. I have not yet undergone any dynamic imaging or barium studies. My primary concern is that my symptoms are consistently recurring without any periods of relief or improvement. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions regarding further testing I should pursue prior to my upcoming gastrointestinal appointment. Thank you for your assistance!
Seeking Guidance for My Health Issues
Greetings, doctor. I am reaching out for advice or recommendations. As a vegetarian college student from India, I have encountered some health challenges that I hope you could assist me with. I've struggled with being underweight for many years; I've been slim since I was about ten years old. Currently, I stand at 5 feet 11 inches tall but weigh only 44 kilograms. This weight has remained unchanged for the last three years, showing no sign of variation. I want to clarify that my eating habits aren’t the problem; I consume meals regularly. However, I suspect that the primary issue lies with my severe acidity, which makes it difficult for me to digest heavier foods such as soy products and paneer. Every time I attempt to eat these, I immediately feel nauseated. Spicy dishes often provoke the same reaction. Additionally, traveling or dining out frequently exacerbates these symptoms, leading me to avoid social gatherings and trips with friends. I've also noticed a consistent pattern: walking after a meal almost always results in discomfort or a queasy feeling. I've consulted a gastroenterologist, and after undergoing several tests, they diagnosed me with lactose intolerance. I have tried medication and dietary adjustments for about a year, but it seems that nothing has made a significant difference. If anyone has suggestions or insights, I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you! 🙏
Exploring Possible Causes of Stomach Discomfort
About two weeks ago, I experienced intermittent cramping in my abdomen that lasted for four days. Concerned, I visited an urgent care facility where the physician indicated she detected a significant amount of stool on one side. She recommended taking Miralax; however, I didn’t notice much improvement. On the other hand, I started incorporating a probiotic into my routine, which remarkably led to over a week of relief and normalized bowel movements. A few days ago, I decided to stop the probiotic, and since then, I have been awakened by severe cramping during the last two nights. Interestingly, I didn’t have any bowel movement yesterday but managed to go today, albeit with some effort. What could be the underlying issue here? Age: 28, Female