Q: 63 yr old man who gets sick very rarely having acute upper abdomen pain, 1st episode 1 week ago, nausea, vomiting 24 hrs, more acute pain immediately as he sips water. Ideas? Thank you so much
Hi. I am not a doctor but this sounds to me like acid reflux.
DO see a doctor and have this checked out.
I suffered for many years with reflux (before having an anti-reflux operation two and a half years ago) and plain water used to reflux with me as soon as I drank it.
Lifestyle changes: lose weight. Stop smoking. Cut down on alcohol. Wear loose clothing. Avoid exercise after eating that will cramp the stomach. Don't eat for at least three hours before going to bed. Raising the bed head by 6-8 inches may help.
Doctor will probably prescribe omeprazole (or another proton pump inhibitor) to control your stomach acid. And, hopefully, send you for tests.
Acid reflux can cause metaplastic cellular changes to the oesophagus (known as Barrett's Oesophagus) which may then continue mutating (dysplasia) in a few cases to become cancer. Have this checked out. The cancer can be avoided.
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Thank you very much for responding. He has prescription strength Protonix that his doctor prescribed for him clearing his throat so much. However, he decided that he would put up with it. He started taking it after I posted my concern here and today he insists he is fine. I also asked him every time he drank water if he was having pain, and he said no. Thankfully he has never smoked and does not drink but once in a blue moon. The weight thing I can help with. Again, thank you and I will let him read your thoughts.