Question 1

I'm dealing with a really heavy feeling in my chest because of excess gas. It's happening every day no matter what I do, and whatever I eat seems to only make it worse. Most of the time, I feel like there's a lot of gas trapped near my chest area, and it's super uncomfortable. What can I do about this?

Accepted Answer

You may be experiencing symptoms of excessive gas and bloating. To help relieve these symptoms, you can try taking Simethicone (Gas-X) 125mg tablets. You can take 1-2 tablets after meals and at bedtime as needed to help break up the gas bubbles in your digestive tract. Additionally, you can try avoiding foods that commonly cause gas such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and carbonated drinks. Drinking peppermint tea or taking a probiotic supplement like Align can also help improve digestion and reduce gas. If your symptoms persist, it's best to consult with a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and management.

Question 2

I had surgery for a hiatus hernia two years ago but for the past three months I've been dealing with heartburn and esophagus pain. Is this normal after surgery? I took pantoprazole for a month but I'm not sure if it's the best option for GERD. Can you suggest other medications that might work better? I can't get an endoscopy where I live because the doctors and equipment aren't reliable so I need advice on managing this without that option

Accepted Answer

Yes, symptoms can recur post-surgery. Try other PPIs like esomeprazole or rabeprazole, or add alginate-based antacids. Avoid large meals, alcohol, and late-night eating. Elevate head while sleeping.

Question 3

I've been experiencing dark red bleeding when I go to the bathroom, but there's no pain, swelling, or itching. It's just the bleeding. What could this be? Should I be worried?

Accepted Answer

The presence of dark red blood during bowel movements, without pain, swelling, or itching, could indicate a hemorrhoid or a minor anal fissure. However, it's important to consult with a doctor for a proper examination and diagnosis to rule out other possible causes, such as diverticular disease or colorectal issues.

Is it OK to remove stool with finger?

Manual evacuation of stool with finger may be done sometimes but it can cause trauma and anal bleeding if more force is used. It is always better to visit a nearest doctor who can safely help in removing stools.

More Gastroenterology/GI medicine Health Queries

I've been experiencing dark red bleeding when I go to the bathroom, but there's no pain, swelling, or itching. It's just the bleeding. What could this be? Should I be worried?

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