Gastritis? Heartburn? Indigestion?

Having gastric pain these few days. It becomes more severe after the steamboat last night. Gaviscon and Maalox plus failed to have any effects on the burning pain. I could barely sleep for the whole night. Now intensity of the pain is lower, but I can feel the weakness and fatigue of my stomach and the entire body.

I have gastric problems since my final year of Bachelor degree. It started when I was carrying out my final year project. I went to student clinic and was scolded by the doctor for not eating on time. In fact I had regular meals and my daily routine was just as usual. So she said that it might be due to stress. I thought it was nonsense.

With the medication that she prescribed I still had the same problem. 1 or 2 weeks later (I couldn't recall) I went to another clinic in Seapark. The doctor gave a same conclusion: STRESS. What?? I thought it was nonsense too.

Gaviscon, Maalox plus, Tagamet, Omeprazole, etc...
My medication collections grew bigger, not only for backache and menstrual pain, now added in those for gastritis and heartburn.

My comrades during FYP knew my problems. When I was planning/worrying about the flow of project, or when I got angry, I felt the instant burning sensation in the upper abdomen. Then only I realized both doctors that I seen were right. The pain was gone after the critical period of the project. However acid indigestion and bloating was quite often since then.

Angeline suspected that I had Helicobacter pylori infection, since my mother was infected by the bacteria few years back. So I did the test, but the result was negative.

The stomach upset makes me not in the mood for working. I am writing blog and searching for related information to distract myself from the pain. Here are some information that I found.

In people who have gastritis symptoms, pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen is the most common.

• The pain is usually in the upper central portion of the abdomen (the "pit" of the stomach).
• Gastritis pain occurs in the left upper portion of the abdomen and in the back. The pain seems to "go right straight through" a person as it travels from the belly to the back.
• People often use the terms burning, aching, gnawing, or sore to describe the pain. Usually, a vague sense of discomfort is present, but the pain may be sharp, stabbing, or cutting.

If gastritis symptoms continue, antacids are sometimes recommended. Three main types of antacids are available. All 3 are about equal in effectiveness.

• Magnesium-containing antacids may cause diarrhea. People with certain kidney problems should use these cautiously or not at all.
• Aluminum-containing antacids can cause constipation.
• Calcium-containing antacids have received a great deal of attention for their ability to control stomach acid and also supplement body calcium. Calcium supplementation is most important for postmenopausal women. Calcium-based antacids can also lead to constipation, however.
• Antacids may also change your body's ability to absorb certain other medications.
• If you require an antacid more than occasionally, let your health care provider decide which one is best for you. blockers have received a lot of attention for stomach problems.

Histamine (H2) blockers have received a lot of attention for stomach problems.

• Some of these medications-cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac) are 2 examples-are available without a prescription.
• Histamine blockers work by reducing acid secretion in the stomach.
• This reduces gastritis pain and other symptoms.
• If you need one of these medications regularly, you should consult your health care provider for a recommendation.

Stronger medications that protect the stomach's lining or lessen acid production in the stomach are available by prescription. Talk to your health care provider if the nonprescription medications do not work for you.

(from emedicinehealth.com)

What causes heartburn?
Heartburn is caused when stomach acid refluxes--backs up--into the esophagus. This can occur for a number of reasons:

• When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that keeps stomach acid in the stomach, is weakened or relaxed and doesn't do its job properly. This is the most common symptom of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

• Certain foods, such as chocolate, fried and fatty foods, peppermint, coffee, alcohol, sugars, can weaken or relax the LES.

• Eating large meals or shortly before bedtime.

• A hiatal hernia.

• Pressure on the stomach, including frequent bending over, tight clothes, lifting, obesity.

• Certain medications.

• Smoking.

• Stress can increase acid production and slow down the emptying of the stomach.

Managing Your Heartburn
You can find relief from your heartburn with a few self-care remedies. This involves making a few lifestyle and diet changes.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Eat frequent smaller meals instead of three larger ones.
  This will help prevent excessive production of stomach acid.

• Eat slowly.
  One way to help you slow down while eating is to put your fork or spoon down between bites.

• Don't go to bed with a full stomach.
  Stay up at least three hours after eating your last meal or large snack before going to bed. This gives acid levels a chance to decrease before your body is in a position where heartburn is more likely to occur.

• Raise the head of your bed several inches.
  With your head elevated, it will help prevent reflux during the night.

• Avoid your heartburn triggers.
  Examples of foods and beverages that can trigger heartburn are coffee (including decaf), alcohol, fatty foods, caffeine-containing beverages and foods, onions, peppermint, chocolate, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes.

• Stop smoking.
  Nicotine can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and stomach and prevents the acid-containing contents of the stomach from entering the esophagus.

• Wear looser-fitting clothes.
  Tight clothing squeezes the midsection and tends to push stomach contents upward.

• Lose weight.
  If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve your symptoms.

• Chew gum.
  Chewing gum can provide short-term heartburn relief by stimulating the production of saliva, which dilutes and flushes out stomach acid.

• Drink warm liquids.
  Drinking a glass of lukewarm water or herbal tea after a meal can dilute and flush out stomach acid.

(from heartburn.about.com)

So, dear doctors, pharmacists, nurses here, and those who suffering from the same problem, any cure or remedies?