Question I have had reflux (never feel it) for a minimum of 10 years. Suddenly out of no where I have a empty feeling in the pit of my stomach regardless of eating it is associated with fullness below my rib cage but above my belly button and my ibs seems to be worse with it as well. At times when the fullness is worse I feel burning in my throat but nothing in between (not in chest or anywhere other than the empty feeling in stomach). I have had an endoscopy 1 year ago when all of this started and it showed very mild esophagits and mild gastritis. I have taken double doses of every PPI that exists. My Dr said if it was reflux causing the burning in throat then the meds would have done something and it has done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Does reflux present itself with empty hollow stomach feeling? Also, if it is reflux how long typically does reflux begin after eating?
Answer Hi Jill,
Reflux does not present with an "empty hollow stomach feeling." It is, in general, a disorder of a part of your esophagus malfunctioning. Using an analogy, the esophagus is like a hollow tube with doors to help keep the contents in the stomach. The doors are called sphincters. When these sphincters malfunction, they allow the stomach's contents to retrograde. The feeling of "fullness" in your stomach is much more in line of excess gas production. The feeling of an "empty hollow stomach" is more in line with your brain receiving a signal from and translating the information from the stomach saying it's empty.
As you've indicated, your reflux occurs even with the use of PPI. This does not mean that it is not GERD. It just means that your reflux is undergoing a different process which is associated with an essential dyspepsia. This condition causes a pathological increase in chemicals produced in your stomach even during fasting. Please consult with your physician regarding the management with antacids versus PPI. Your physician would be a more reliable source as to which would best fit you.
Another great tool to manage your IBS and reflux is to avoid certain foods. Try avoiding spicy foods, caffeine - coffee/tea/etc, fried foods, heavy diet, carbonated drinks, high acidic foods, alcohol, and junk food for the next month. Then, reevaluate if this helps. Reintroduce a healthy low carb low calorie yogurt. Most yogurts contain beneficial bacteria. Changing your daily meals to 5-6x per day instead of the usual 3 meals. These meals should be small portions. Obtain a referral to a dietician or speak to your physician about a healthy IBS diet plan.
Lastly, stress. I couldn't tell patients enough about "stress." Stress affects your mind and body. During a stressful moment, your brain may release chemicals which may induce an increase secretion of gastric juices. The result may be an irritable bowel attack with symptoms of reflux, abdominal discomfort, etc in certain individuals.
