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I have stomach ache and bloating. Should I take a laxative?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Starting Friday morning, I started to get stomach pain and a headache and my body felt week. I went home and slept for a couple hours and this seemed to help at first. That night I was up until 4 AM with terrible stomach pain and extreme bloating.

I took Mylanta and was able to at least fall asleep. I felt alright the next day until about midday and then started feeling the same symptoms with the addition of a sore throat. I have also been feeling a lot of neck and back pain.

My symptoms have included:

  • Sore throat.
  • Headache.
  • Stomachache/ cramps in the abdomen.
  • Bloating.
  • Back and neck pain.
  • Heartburn.
  • Nauseous.
  • Belching.
Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your symptoms cannot be specifically correlated to a single condition. However, it looks more like gastritis with acid reflux on the first note.

You can take acid-suppressing medicines like Pantoprazole 40 mg tablets once daily before food for one week. Can add tablet Ondansetron 4 mg twice daily before food.

Consider soft foods and more liquids for another three days.

If symptoms are persisting, can consider getting basic blood tests and an ultrasound scan of the abdomen.

For more information consult a medical gastroenterologist online.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have not been able to relieve myself very much since Friday. Should I try taking a mild laxative?

Answered by Dr. Noushif. M

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No harm in taking a laxative. It is not indicated at present, however.

If unwellness persists get basic blood tests (complete blood count including platelet count, liver function tests, creatinine, amylase) and an ultrasound scan of the abdomen.

For more information consult a medical gastroenterologist online.

Answered byDr. Noushif. M
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Published At June 21, 2018
Reviewed AtApril 22, 2025

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Stomach Ache and Bloating Decision Helper

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Answer a few quick questions to help you decide if your stomach ache and bloating warrant a doctor's visit.

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Dr. Noushif. M
Dr. Noushif. M

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