HomeAnswersMedical Gastroenterologybelly bloatingI have extreme bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue with scaly marks. What is the reason?

Why am I having extreme bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue with scaly marks?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Published At June 1, 2019
Reviewed AtAugust 4, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been having increased issues with extreme bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, vomiting a lot of the time, excessive diarrhea, weird tiny patches of scaly marks on my shins, arms, and face. I literally dread eating anything. I am not starving by any means, I have more than enough meat on my bones but eating is worse than feeling pains of hunger. This has been increasing year by year and has been present for about five years now.

My PCP is related to stress but I know there is something much more dire going on. I recently did an at home test for food sensitivities and I had reactions to 93 out of 96 foods tested. Does not seem quite right to me and I understand that IgG does not test for allergies. I am highly reactive to citrus as well as baker's yeast. Previously I thought I was having an allergy to the protein found in wheat and I went on and off of a gluten-free diet. I have gone so far as acupuncture to assist with proper digestion because I frequently find myself vomiting up undigested foods at least 7 to 9 hours after consuming them.

I am 35 years old, a mother of five and a business owner of three. I do not consume sweets only because I have never taken a liking to them, I do not drink sodas, teas nor do I consume coffee. I also do not consume red meats and I am not a huge fan of vegetables. I have recently regurgitated a pile of blood and every time I eat anything, I am extremely bloated almost immediately. I am getting worried. Please suggest underlying potential issues that I should have tested with my local GP and specialists.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

To help you better, I need to have a look on your blood reports. Please attach them.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have attached the results.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

So, based on your complete history, I am in opinion that you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Now, IBS is of three types:

1. Diarrhea predominant.

2. Constipation predominant.

3. Mixed variety.

You seem to be having the mixed variant. However, IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. We investigate suspected cases of IBS with thyroid profile, fasting blood sugar, ultrasound abdomen. If all investigations are normal, then you are probably suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. In case you ever have had blood or mucous in stools, you require to get colonoscopy to rule out any evidence of inflammatory bowel disease.

I advice following for treatment of IBS:

1. A proton pump inhibitor like Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole, which will help in neutralizing any acid if you have in stomach.

2. You should avoid fat and pepper in diet and prefer to take soft, bland diet.

3. You can take smooth muscle relaxant like Mebeverine for stomach pain, in case you have.

4. In refractory cases drugs like Chlordiazepoxide and Clidinium bromide can be used, if the condition is not responding.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I was highly concerned with the thought of Crohn's disease being a really good possibility. Today for instance, I ate Albacore tuna and by the time I was throwing my plate away, I was already running to the bathroom to relieve myself. There is no telling my bowels a no, it is either find a bathroom immediately or deal with the consequences. This just has me so frightened because it has been going on for quite a few years now. My feces is always yellow, like bile, or that stomach acid stuff you throw up before eating. I did some research and my symptoms are consistent with dumping. Would IBS contribute to this? I broke my back four years back and I weighed about a hundred and sixty pounds at the time of my accident.

I was reviewing my lab work the other day and noticed that it stated I was severely malnutritioned. Obviously my weight states otherwise. I know digestion is usually a 52-hour long process, however, it seems like almost as soon as I eat the food, it is literally going right through me. I have been trying to eliminate the items that were high markers on my IgG test but my symptoms still persist. Do you think I should get additional testing? If so what should I request? Thank you so much for being completely informative and very responsive. I feel so much better knowing that I am not alone.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suppose, you are just over worried. I do not think it is Crohn's disease. So, in my opinion, you should first get the mentioned tests done and I would guide you accordingly.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

So you are telling me now that I disregard any other possible health conditions? I am okay with that. However, what is causing the plaque like scales on my body? I have them all over my legs and they have traveled upwards onto my face. What do I do about this? Is it obviously food-related because I am not exposed to anything else. Is this a symptom of IBS?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I am not saying to disregard the apparent causes discussed. For that, there is no reason to get worried until and unless we have the test results. Your skin related issues are due to malabsorption or poor diet. You may discuss with your doctor to give you a Multivitamin containing Thiamine, that should help in these scaly lesions.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anshul Varshney
Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine

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