What Can Cause Bloating and Embarrassing Belching?

What Can Cause Bloating and Embarrassing Belching?

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QUESTION: I frequently bothered by a mild pain in my stomach, followed by
bloating and embarrassing belching. I doubt that it is serious enough to
bother my physician with, but thought you might help me out. What can cause
these symptoms?
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ANSWER: Anything that bothers you is "worth bothering" your doctor about!
Gastric discomfort is one of the 15 most common reasons for an adult to visit
a doctor's office. The discomfort can signal simple problems with simple
solutions or it may indicate a more serious difficulty that needs intervention
now.
The upper abdominal discomfort you describe is called "dyspepsia," which
is not a disease, but a symptom. It may be a symptom of a variety of gastric
problems, some minor and some serious. Sometimes it signals peptic ulcer
disease, and sometimes it is confused with the pain of coronary artery
disease, called angina.
Before you visit your doctor, take note the characteristics of your
discomfort. Is it relieved with antacids or food? Is it worse at night? Is
it worse when you're lying down? Do certain foods aggravate the condition?
Is the pain related to an emotional upset? Are you taking medications that
may upset your stomach? Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and some antibiotics
can cause dyspepsia. Do you drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes? Both can
cause this problem.
See your doctor and describe the problem. The more specific information
you can provide, the better diagnosis your doctor can make.
After talking with you and examining you, your doctor may feel he needs
some tests before he can accurately diagnose your problem. Dyspepsia is a
condition that may require some patience to satisfactorily treat. How you and
your doctor approach the problem will depend on many factors, including your
age and general health.
Upper gastrointestinal studies have often been the first test ordered in
a situation like this, but some doctors are now questioning how much useful
information is obtained in an "upper G.I." Endoscopy (or gastroscopy) is a
procedure where a flexible tube is passed through the esophagus, stomach and
upper G.I. tract, and the physician inspects the inside of the tract through
this tube, or "scope." Increasingly, this has become the first test performed
in cases like yours, because inflammation can be detected using this procedure
and a biopsy can be taken when necessary, through the endoscope.
When the problem is diagnosed and treated, and you are finally symptom
free, you'll be glad you "bothered your doctor."