Seeking Expert Help for Ongoing Abdominal Discomfort
Greetings, medical professionals, I am a 22-year-old man who has been dealing with stomach discomfort for several months now. My primary concerns include: - A continual burning sensation and pain in the upper stomach region - Intermittent feelings of nausea - Occasional loss of appetite - Symptoms of bloating and difficulty digesting food following meals I have refrained from using strong medications and have attempted to modify my diet without noticeable improvement. I am looking for a **comprehensive assessment from a gastroenterologist** to explore potential underlying issues and receive concrete advice on how to handle my symptoms effectively. I am willing to share lab results and any previous tests in the future to facilitate a more precise diagnosis. Thank you for your attention; I eagerly await your recommendations and insights.
Answers (1)
2/10/2026, 11:20:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort that has persisted for several months, which can be very concerning. Your symptoms, such as upper stomach burning, nausea, bloating, and loss of appetite, suggest a potential digestive issue that deserves attention.
Explanation: The symptoms you describe could be due to various conditions, including gastritis, peptic ulcers, or acid reflux. These conditions can cause upper abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating, and they may be aggravated by certain foods, stress, or lifestyle factors. Since you've already tried modifying your diet without improvement, it’s essential to take further steps to address these symptoms.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Continue to note any specific foods or beverages that worsen your symptoms. Common triggers include spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and high-fat meals. Consider a bland diet consisting of low-fat foods, lean proteins, and easily digestible carbs (like rice and bananas) for a week and observe any changes.
-
Hydration and Timing:
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and try to eat smaller meals more frequently instead of larger meals, which can help with digestion.
-
Over-the-Counter Medications:
- You might find temporary relief with over-the-counter antacids or medications like simethicone for bloating. However, use these only as directed.
-
Keep a Symptom Diary:
- Track your symptoms daily, including meal timings, types of food, and any other factors (stress, exercise), which can provide valuable insights for your future consultation with a gastroenterologist.
-
Manage Stress:
- Stress can impact digestive health. Consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation into your daily routine.
-
Prepare for Consultation:
- Since you've expressed a desire for a comprehensive evaluation, prepare any health records, lab results, and your symptom diary for your future appointment with a gastroenterologist. This information will help them assess your condition more accurately.
If your symptoms worsen, or if you experience severe pain, persistent vomiting, or unexplained weight loss, it would be advisable to seek medical attention sooner. Remember, you're taking important steps towards understanding your health better. Let me know if you have further questions!
Related Questions
Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Digestive Issues
For the past two years, I've been struggling with digestive discomfort, which began around April 2021. Initially, I experienced persistent bloating and severe constipation, making regular bowel movements a challenge. During that period, several people remarked that I had a foul odor, similar to feces, a claim which I couldn’t detect myself. I consulted numerous physicians, but they assured me they noticed no unpleasant smell. I received prescriptions for various constipation medications including Miralax, yet they either provided no relief or became ineffective after a duration. As time passed, my social interactions deteriorated. I began receiving inquiries from others regarding flatulence, accompanied by peculiar glances, even when I was oblivious to any gas being released. Approximately three to five months ago, I found it increasingly difficult to control gas, regardless of my efforts. What perplexes me is that the smell persists almost consistently, even in the absence of bloating. Although I was prescribed Linzess, which improved my stool passage and alleviated constipation symptoms, it has not addressed the gas-related problems. Additionally, I've discovered that after using the bathroom, I often don’t feel adequately clean despite multiple attempts to wipe. If I continue wiping, I occasionally experience minor bleeding, likely due to irritation. Diarrhea is not usually an issue I face. Furthermore, I tend to feel intense itching within the first 5 to 10 minutes of physical activities or whenever my body temperature rises. A prescription for anxiety medication has surprisingly reduced the itching episodes, but the gas and odor complications remain unresolved. Currently, I'm awaiting an appointment in March to assess whether there might be issues with my pelvic floor or sphincter muscles affecting their functionality. I’m eager to understand potential underlying causes for these concerns and the types of examinations or specialists I should consider pursuing. I am a 19-year-old male residing in the United States.
Severe Abdominal Discomfort and Throbbing Headaches
Greetings. I would greatly appreciate any medical opinions regarding a troubling issue I am facing. I have been suffering from intense pain, which has occurred on two separate occasions. The discomfort is so debilitating that it renders me immobile, accompanied by a distressing sensation of tightness in my abdomen and a significant pressure headache. Each episode is remarkably similar, happening consistently at the end of my cycle. Does anyone have insight into what could be causing this? I plan to reach out to my doctor first thing in the morning. I am a 35-year-old female with a diagnosis of PCOS.
Experiencing Intense Stomach Pain After Hip Thrusting?
Age: 30, Female, Height: 161 cm, Weight: 63 kg. A few days prior, I shared my ongoing struggle with unusual gastrointestinal problems that have persisted for nearly a year. After attempting to come to terms with the possibility of having IBS, I encountered another unsettling episode last night, which led to a distressing mental breakdown and left me pondering my health further. I was working out at the gym, focusing on leg workouts. Everything felt normal throughout the day; I hadn’t had any stomach troubles, and my stress levels were manageable. It was a relatively relaxed session where I completed squats before transitioning to hip thrusts using the machine. After finishing two sets, out of nowhere, I suddenly felt overwhelmingly nauseous, followed shortly by intense, sharp pains in my abdomen on both sides, around the area of my belly button. These acute pains persisted for approximately one hour before they subsided. This isn’t the first time that hip thrusts have caused this reaction. In the past, I’ve experienced multiple instances where performing hip thrusts led to feelings of nausea and even vomiting. However, this particular episode brought the most severe stabbing pains I’ve ever felt. For context, I typically lift heavy during hip thrusts (over 200 kg). In addition to my gastrointestinal distress, I also suffer from chronic sinus issues, which make it difficult for me to breathe comfortably. Rarely do I feel anxious, but in the past week, I have noticed an increase in anxiety, accompanied by occasional heart palpitations—an experience that is new for me. I attribute these symptoms to my sinus condition, and I’m unsure if my anxiety is a direct result of these physical issues or simply the stress of feeling my health decline. I have another appointment lined up with my doctor this week, which feels like the hundredth time I’ve sought help. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Intermittent Upper Abdominal Pain Associated with Cervical Spondylosis
As a 36-year-old male weighing approximately 105 kilograms, I received a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis in April 2025. Since then, I have been experiencing intense pain in my neck and shoulders, which often leads to feelings of dizziness and blurred vision. Despite my efforts to seek relief through various treatments, including physiotherapy and medication, I have found no improvement. Recently, I have also been suffering from episodes of heat flashes that induce sweating. Alongside these issues, I have been dealing with discomfort in my upper abdomen, which feels akin to difficulty in breathing or a sensation of air hunger. This ongoing struggle has significantly impacted my life, leaving me confined to my home and spiraling into a state of depression. I am reaching out for assistance!
Seeking Guidance on Persistent Stomach Issues
I’m a 32-year-old male, a non-smoker, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 18 stone. It all started on December 26th when I began experiencing abdominal discomfort. Initially, I attributed the sensation to a pulled muscle in my lower right abdomen. The following day, the nagging ache persisted, although it remained mild. By December 28th, the pain had intensified, prompting me to schedule a doctor's appointment for December 30th. Upon examination, the physician suggested that I might be experiencing the onset of appendicitis, despite my symptoms not aligning with the typical signs, such as rebound tenderness. An ultrasound was recommended, and I was advised to head to the emergency room if my condition deteriorated. Blood tests were also ordered. On December 31st, my condition worsened, leaving me feeling quite unwell, so I tried to rest. However, I woke up on January 1st in significant pain and decided to visit the emergency department. After undergoing various tests, including blood work, the key finding was a slight elevation in my white blood cell count and a CRP level of 14. The doctor wasn't convinced that the issue was my appendix, so I was given pain relief and told to return the next day, January 2nd, for further evaluation at the surgical ward. During the follow-up on January 2nd, I was still experiencing discomfort, and additional blood tests were conducted with only a slight increase in CRP to 15. After assessment by the surgical team, they were puzzled and did not believe it was appendicitis. An ultrasound was performed, which did not show significant findings as bowel gas obscured clear visuals; the appendix was not seen, and I was told to follow up with my GP as they suspected a bowel issue instead. Suffering considerable pain for several days led me to book another appointment for January 8th. I still had notable discomfort, which prompted my doctor to order a calprotectin test, suggesting we revisit the results later. The results came back on January 16th showing a calprotectin level of 190, while the ache had fortunately subsided. My doctor recommended further blood tests and another examination in two weeks. I had blood tests on January 29th, revealing mostly normal results except for a CRP reading of 22 and a serum ferritin level of 516. I also underwent another calprotectin test, awaiting results. The doctor indicated that a colonoscopy might be necessary to explore potential issues once we had the second calprotectin results. Recently, the pain has returned, although it’s not as severe as it was during the late December and early January episodes. I sometimes feel a pulling sensation in my lower right side, accompanied by a persistent dull ache that feels like a deep internal itch—difficult to articulate. Notably, there’s no blood in my stools, but I’ve consistently experienced loose, slushy bowel movements. Having suffered from bouts of diarrhea, particularly in the mornings, I have accustomed myself to softer stools (Bristol stool chart type 6). In the past, there had been occurrences of blood, usually during instances of intense pain and frequent visits to the restroom; this blood was minor and likely caused by irritation due to repeated wiping. As you can imagine, consulting Dr. Google has filled me with anxiety regarding these symptoms. Given this context—especially with appendicitis ruled out—I'm eager to hear if anyone has faced similar symptoms or could offer insights into potential underlying causes. My fear is that it might indicate something more serious, such as cancer or a tumor.