Concerns About My Boyfriend's Health: Stomach Issues and Pain
I’m really worried about my boyfriend! He refuses to see a doctor, and it’s causing me a lot of stress. Four days ago, he was quite unwell, suffering from vomiting and a high fever. While those symptoms cleared up within a day, the following three days have been a different story. He’s been unable to eat without experiencing intense chest pain, describing it as if his food and beverages aren’t properly going down and are instead getting lodged in his chest. After his initial illness, he attempted to have some pasta but couldn’t manage it because of the discomfort. Since then, he has only managed to consume two yoghurts, both of which caused him significant pain, and even small sips of water are painful for him. To alleviate the discomfort, he has been relying on Gaviscon and Rennies for the past three days and has also taken Nexium for the last couple of days, but nothing seems to be helping. Do you have any ideas on what could be causing this? A bit about him: he’s a 26-year-old male, approximately 6'3" tall and weighs around 14 stone. He’s not currently on any long-term medication aside from the ones for his stomach troubles. He does vape and has a history of acid reflux, which tends to flare up a few times a year, usually resolving with Nexium. I'm really anxious for him to feel better, but I’m not sure how to encourage him to seek medical attention.
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 7:20:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way about your boyfriend's health; it's natural to be concerned for someone you care about. Given the symptoms you've described, particularly the chest pain and difficulty swallowing, there could be several underlying issues that need attention.
Explanation:
The symptoms your boyfriend is experiencing, especially the chest pain when eating or drinking, can suggest a few possibilities, including:
- Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus, often caused by acid reflux or irritation.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A more chronic form of acid reflux, leading to severe symptoms.
- Possible obstruction: Sometimes, conditions can cause a physical obstruction that feels like food is getting stuck.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing, which can arise from various causes, including muscle issues or esophageal disorders.
His reliance on over-the-counter medications like Gaviscon and Rennies, along with Nexium, suggests he's experiencing significant discomfort, but these may not fully address the underlying issue.
Next Steps:
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Encourage Hydration: Since he's having pain even with small sips of water, he should try to take very small amounts and see if he can tolerate that. Sipping warm fluids (like herbal tea) may be gentler.
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Dietary Changes: It may be helpful for him to stick to very soft foods that are less likely to cause discomfort, such as smoothies or pureed foods, and avoid solid foods, especially anything spicy, acidic, or hard until the pain subsides.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of his symptoms, especially what foods or drinks trigger pain. This can help identify patterns and may be useful later if he sees a doctor.
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Seek Medical Attention: It's vital he sees a healthcare professional, especially since the symptoms are persisting and worsening. You could help by finding a doctor or clinic for him and offering to go with him for support.
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Be Supportive: Reassure him that many people experience similar issues that can be effectively treated once diagnosed. Framing the visit to the doctor as a step towards feeling better might make it less intimidating for him.
If symptoms worsen, such as persistent vomiting, severe chest pain, or any signs of dehydration, it would be crucial to seek emergency care for him. Your concern and support can play a significant part in encouraging him to take action for his health.
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