Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs that are used to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach lining. They are used in the treatment of heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcers, and to prevent damage to the lower esophagus. Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole, and Pantoprazole are some of the commonly used drugs of this group.
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Can I safely use Pantoprazole for H. pylori infection?
Query: Hi doctor, I had an endoscopy nine days ago, and the doctor performed the rapid urease test (RUT) for Helicobacter pylori. The result turned pink after 24 hours, and he mentioned it was weakly positive, suggesting no need for antibiotics. I have a doubt; even if it is weakly positive, do I still hav... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq, and thank you for choosing us as your provider for health care. I have gone through your history and understand your concerns. If your doctor has diagnosed weakly positive H. pylori through the RUT (rapid urease test) but suggested no antibiotics, it might indicate a less a... Read Full »
Can halitosis be caused due to gastritis?
Query: Hello doctor, I want to ask about halitosis. I already went to the dentist and the dentist said that the problem is not in the mouth and it could be in my stomach so here I am. I hope you can help me because I am at my wit's end right now. How do I know if it is in the stomach? What should I do? I ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Halitosis or bad breath usually originates from oral or nasal passages. The cause of it is bacterial decay of residual food and debris. Most common causes of halitosis are periodontal diseases, dental caries, oral cavity infection, and coated or uncleaned tongue or decr... Read Full »
I have recurring GERD. Please suggest medications.
Query: Hello doctor, I am a nurse. I had throat burning sensation, nausea, chest pain, feeling of a full stomach, nausea, and reflux symptoms one month ago and the doctor advised me for lifestyle modifications. I stopped coffee, I am sleeping for two hours after dinner and I am eating non-spicy food. I was... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. It seems you have GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease), GERD which is the cause of your symptoms. GERD occurs when stomach acid or the stomach content flows back into your food pipe. The backwash irritates the lining of your esophagus and causes heartburn, chest... Read Full »
Blood in vomit after drinking too much alcohol. Kindly help.
Query: Hello doctor,I am a 20 year old male. About three days ago, I vomited bright red blood after consuming excessive alcohol. This is the first time I have consumed more than one beer and I was also unconscious. I have not been having any pains or any other symptoms. After the first vomit of blood, I pu... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your post. At this age, bleeding with vomiting is likely due to an injury to the lower esophagus because of the force of the vomit. If the bleeding was severe, then an upper GI (gastrointestinal) endoscopy is necessary for two reasons. Alcoho... Read Full »
What can cause a lot of thick white mucus at the back of the throat that inhibits swallowing?
Query: Hi doctor,I am experiencing a lot of white mucus in the back of the throat for a year now. It inhibits swallowing and forcing me to hack it up and spit it out. This makes my voice scratchy. I do not have any other symptoms. I consulted an ENT doctor previously and he suggested me to take a proton pu... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. There are two causes for your complaints. The first cause can be reflux from your stomach and so the doctor has suggested you to take a proton pump inhibitor. The second cause can be a postnasal drip. Regarding reflux, taking a proton pump inhib... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor, I have an issue with rectal watery discharge, which may occasionally be visible outside of my trousers. It all started three years ago when I was diagnosed with gastritis and was prescribed PPIs (proton pump inhibitor). After seeing a couple of doctors and being prescribed antibiotics,... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, I have studied your case history, including a prescription or note from your treating physician describing your local examination and colonoscopy recommendations. Rectal watery discharge can be caused by a leaky anal sphincter, a minor anal fissure, erosions caused by diarrhea or excessivel... Read Full »
Will PPI help in curing gurgling noise in stomach?
Query: Hello doctor, I have reflux and GERD. Also a hiatal hernia. Sometimes I have gurgling in the stomach and into my throat. It is like a gurgling noise and a ticking noise if I hold my mouth open. I just started medium. Would you be worried or is this normal for reflex and the PPI should help? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. PPI alone will not work. Need to add some pro motility medicines too. Also dietary modifications and lifestyle changes need to be considered consistently. If symptoms are worsening, then need to think of other measures. Would like to have a look at your endoscopy report... Read Full »
What should I do to prevent my recurring GERD symptoms?
Query: Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, GERD, and hiatal hernia three years back through an endoscopy. My symptoms during the period were non-cardiac chest pain (all cardiac tests were negative), infrequent regurgitation, and muscle tightness in my abdomen and shoulders. The do... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Well, the biopsy report (attachment removed to protect patient identity) does not show eosinophilic esophagitis, nor it showed that you have Barrett's esophagus. You have a sliding hernia and had significant reflux related esophagitis. I feel that this is again the r... Read Full »
I underwent GERD surgery. Should I have to take PPI life-long?
Query: Hi doctor, I am concerned about my husband's health. He is taking PPI medication for ten years now called Omeprazole. We think he has to quit the medication. Could you please recommend to us what to do? How to start? I am also extremely worried about his liver. I know about the damage PPI may cause... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Well, there are very few indications of lifelong PPI (proton pump inhibitors). 1. Patient has GERD with Barrett's esophagus and premalignant findings such as dysplasia 2. Post fundoplication (GERD surgery) if the patient on follow-up has Barrett's esophagus or evid... Read Full »
Does a burning sensation in the epigastric region suggest Zollinger disease?
Query: Hello doctor, I am suffering from a burning sensation in the epigastric region since two months. It is gradually increasing. I took a PPI for 10 days. Then four days after stopping PPI, I tested for serum gastrin level and it was 110. Do I have Zollinger disease? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Serum gastrin level should be checked and interpreted with caution as it needs overnight fasting, early morning testing and abstinence from acid-suppression medications, etc. It can go as high as up to 300 or 400 pg/mL with normal being up to 100 pg/mL in people who... Read Full »