How do I manage tightness on the left side of my stomach?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Based on your description, the left-sided abdominal tightness and pain that worsen with hunger or irregular eating, along with increased gas and recent travel-related stress, are highly suggestive of functional dyspepsia or a gastric irritation or acid-related condition such as gastritis or duodenitis.

The pattern of pain increasing when the stomach is empty (“hunger pain”) is commonly seen in duodenal conditions or acid-peptic disease. Travel anxiety, irregular meal timings, and consuming outside food can disrupt digestion and increase stomach acid production.

The medications you have are appropriate. Sompraz-D 40 (Pantoprazole with Domperidone) can be taken once daily, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, for five to seven days to reduce acid and improve gastric motility. Digene (Aluminium hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide, and Simethicone) may be used as needed when you experience acidity or burning, but it should not be taken immediately before or after Sompraz-D. Avoid taking multiple acid-reducing medicines together, such as Sompraz-D and Pan 40 (Pantoprazole), as both contain proton pump inhibitors. Consult your doctor before taking medicines.

For the next few days, eat small, frequent meals every three to four hours to avoid keeping the stomach empty. Avoid spicy, oily, acidic, or very fatty outside foods. Reduce intake of caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. Try to eat meals at regular, fixed times. Managing stress with light walking and deep-breathing exercises can help, as anxiety can worsen digestive symptoms.

Monitor your symptoms closely. If the pain becomes severe, localizes to one specific area, or is associated with fever, vomiting, or dark stools, seek medical attention promptly to rule out other causes. If symptoms persist beyond one week despite medication, consult a doctor for further evaluation, such as testing for H. pylori (helicobacter) or an abdominal ultrasound.

Also, please let me know:

• Which of the medications listed have you taken so far, along with the dose and frequency? Have they provided any relief?

• Do you have a history of acid reflux, gastritis, ulcers, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Kindly revert with the answers.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Stop taking multiple PPIs (proton pump inhibitors). Taking more than one can increase side effects without providing additional benefit.

Choose only one PPI. Since you took Sompraz-D (Pantoprazole with Domperidone) 40 this morning, continue with it once daily, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, for the next five to seven days.

Use Digene (Aluminium hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide, and Simethicone) as needed for immediate relief from burning or acidity, but keep at least a two-hour gap between these and your PPI dose.

Please describe the pain more precisely. Is it a burning sensation, cramping, a dull ache, or sharp or stabbing pain?

Also, specify the exact location of the tightness or pain on the left side (for example, under the ribs, in the lower abdomen, or near the belly button). Does the pain radiate anywhere, such as to your back or chest?

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

A dull pain or discomfort to the left of the belly button, with a feeling of trapped gas that improves after passing gas, strongly suggests a large intestine (colon) issue. This area corresponds to the descending and sigmoid colon. Given your history of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), this presentation is very typical of an IBS flare-up, which can be triggered by travel and schedule changes that disrupt gut rhythm, dietary changes or eating outside food, and anxiety or stress.

The fact that the symptoms are more of discomfort or an urge rather than severe pain, and that they are related to gas, is reassuring and points toward a functional bowel issue rather than a serious acute condition.

Do you have any existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders? Also, do you smoke, drink alcohol, or consume caffeine regularly?

Is there any significant family history of stomach or other digestive problems?

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

That means the symptoms have started only recently. Your symptoms began after a prolonged period of fasting (12 to 15 hours), followed by irregular eating and travel-related stress. This pattern is a classic trigger for the following:

1. Increased stomach acid due to an empty stomach, leading to irritation, which explains the pain that worsens with hunger.

2. Disruption of normal gut motility and gut flora, contributing to gas and IBS-type symptoms (irritable bowel syndrome), which explains the left-sided discomfort and trapped gas sensation.

Sompraz-D 40 (Pantoprazole with Domperidone), which reduces acid and helps with stomach emptying, is appropriate for addressing the acid-related component. Continuing it for five to seven days can help calm the irritation while you stabilize your eating routine. However, it is not meant for long-term use.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.

Thank you.