What causes burning sensation in the lower abdomen?
Patient: Hello. I have had a burning sensation in my lower abdomen for around 7 weeks now (Also some weakness) all bloods were checked and Thyroid - all fine. I have a history of reflux, around 5 weeks ago I ran out of omeprezole and was taking one zantic tablet per day instead. This is when my symptoms became worse, I experienced black stools and slight constipation and then loose stools alternating. Also started to experience some difficulty swallowing (Not liquid or solids - just general swallowing). At times I had breathlessness and a heavy sensation in my chest,as well as some days where I was so weak I could hardly get out of bed. At this stage I sent in stool samples and had all bloods done again - all fine. My doctor told me to try taking more omeprezole (20mg  twice a day). This was 2 weeks ago and although the chest pain has improved and the bowel movements are better - I still have the mild burning in the lower abdomen, the uncomfortable swallowing and at times a sort of tense neck with a tight feeling on the right side. The worst thing is that I still have periods of awful weakness. I'm beginning to think I'm going mad. I am becoming very panicky and very depressed at times. I was completely fit and healthy before this - it has all been rather sudden, my only ever complaint was acid reflux. I am 42 years old. I have no coughing or blood coming from anywhere. It's the weak ness that scares me the most. I have an OGD next week and am terrified as I think only something like cancer can cause this kind of weakness. Now I'm starting to loose sleep with the worry.Thanks for listeningJulie Doctor: Hi Julie.Thanks for your query.Read and understood your history related to the burning pain in lower abdomen as well as the Zantac and Omeprazole consumption.Since all the tests you say are normal in spite of the black stools, something is looking contradictory.I would advise you to undergo OGD and also insist on Colonoscopy and CT scan of the abdomen as there is a chance diagnosis of cancer as you are suspecting. But there is a more chance that there may just be a non-cancerous problemlike an infection or so.Get the investigations done. Take a course of an antibiotic, metronidazole, probiotic.Continue Zantac and Omeprazole too as their role of action are different. Get the treatment as per the reports of the tests and you will be fine.