The pain usually start from an hour to several hours after having the meal. I know one cure is to not eat so much at one sitting, but when you're at a buffet, or at a company sponsored event and all the food is free and delicious, I can't control myself. So when I find myself in the situation and I have the pain, which can be so instense sometimes that I am tossing and turning in my bed and can't sleep, what should I do? I've tried over the counter stuff like Prilosec, Maalox, even Nexium. They all don't do anything. Any suggestions?
2006-07-07 15:48:44 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
if it only happens after a big meal..you HAVE to learn some self control....the doctor can give you medication, but he will tell you that smaller portions are the key..and if you think eating big meals is more important..then you are going to continue to have pain....
good luck
2006-07-07 15:53:15 · answer #1 · answered by Tamara J 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try 1) only eating enough to take care of your hunger, 2) at least three hours before you go to bed, 3) and going light on the meat, fat, and sugar. Getting to be over age 30 and discovering that one can't eat like a teenager without discomfort is just part of the experience. If you still get heartburn or pain with a good-faith effort as above, you may need to see a doctor. If you travel as part of your work, as I do, you will be confronted with hotel food many, many times; it is full of grease, salt, and sugar, far more than most people put in food that they prepare. And very much of it will make you uncomfortable.
2006-07-07 23:08:40 · answer #2 · answered by silver.graph 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see that most people are thinking this is GERD. It may very well be. If so others have offered some good advice, namely:
Small meals, especially late at night
Stay away from caffeine (coffee, tea, colas, chocolate)
Stay away from fatty foods
Try elevating the head of your bed on bricks or sleep with lots of pillows.
Your symptoms could also be resulting from Gallbladder disease. Gallbladder disease can cause symptoms that some confuse with esophageal pain, especially if your symptoms occur a few hours after your meal and are not improved with those strong medications you listed. An ultrasound is usually all you need to see if this could be the cause of your symptoms.
Your symptoms could also be from cardiac disease, though if it happens only after a large meal and not necessarily after strenuous exercise this makes coronary disease less likely. An electrocardiogram and a simple blood test while you're having symptoms will help to rule this out.
Could be esophageal spasm, which is usually secondary to GERD. Most people with spasm complain of CRUSHING chest pain.
My vote...most likely your gallbladder.
2006-07-07 23:06:17 · answer #3 · answered by MDMMD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have what I had; GERD If you go do a search on this, you'll get a lot of suggestions, but I'll try to remember them.
Don't eat an hour or two before bedtime.
Of course don't overeat.
Avoid sodas and alcohol.
Avoid spicy foods.
Avoid chunky tough foods to chew.
More importantly, if you want to get rid of this, go to the doctor and get a prescription. PLUS, this is important. It takes time for this to heal. So if you take a prescription, be read to take it for a month or so before feeling any effects. I still have this problem occasionally, but the meds really did help.
2006-07-07 22:53:06 · answer #4 · answered by merlin_steele 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like it could be acid reflux. My mom had it diagnosed by the Dr. and he gave her a prescription. She takes a small tablet about 30 minutes before a substantial meal and she said it has seemed to help.
If it is severe and you don't control it, the acid (bile) can damage the tissue in your esophagus.
Also at night try elevating your head, such as using two pillows. This will help keep the acid down.
2006-07-07 22:54:27 · answer #5 · answered by ewema 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to pig out just because it's free, be prepared to sit up all night. Lying in bed makes reflux worse. Go see a doctor. The problem could be causing your esophagus to erode.
2006-07-07 22:54:58 · answer #6 · answered by carolewkelly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like acid reflux. I use OTC medicine. When it's too bad for that, however, I drink water with baking soda. Put about a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of lukewarm water and stir it up. It doesn't taste very good, but it works really well.
2006-07-07 22:52:02 · answer #7 · answered by Maggie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See your doctor for an Rx, but really try just to eat a little portion of each thing you want at the buffet.
2006-07-07 22:52:30 · answer #8 · answered by Teacherwoman9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
stop eating so much if u can't control urself bring a man purse along on ur buffet adventures and stick food in there for later u'll never have that feeling again
2006-07-07 22:52:19 · answer #9 · answered by geminigodess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to a natural health food store and buy magnesium. i have acid reflux issues and it worked for me. also, you should try zantac. even though the other stuff may not have worked this probably will. when i don't have any medicine, sometimes i'll drink a vanilla shake. vanilla calms heart burn, and the coldness of the shake numbs your throat. vanilla shakes are an easy quick fix.
2006-07-07 22:52:06 · answer #10 · answered by itsasecret 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋