Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

First Aid For Cramping And Indigestion Pain After Taking Nsaid


cristiana

Recommended Posts

cristiana Veteran

I thought I should create a separate topic following on from my discovery that taking just a few NSAIDS over a about a week has caused gastro symptoms, probably worsened by the fact that I was glutened around the same time as taking the tablets.  Cramps and indigestion, a sort of burning just under my ribs, these are the symptoms which seem to get worse during the day.  All this started on Saturday.  I think I have damaged my small intestine all over again as this is just how I felt weeks before my DX but of course, maybe it is my stomach this time?

 

Anyway, If anyone has been through this or something similar, could they suggest a treatment.  I will go to the doctors in a week's time as per instructions on the Gaviscon bottle but I would rather not have to if I can pick up a few good tips from you wonderful people. :)

 

Thanks!


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



cyclinglady Grand Master

I would stop all over the counter drugs. Instead, just drink lots of water, eat at home and be patient until you see your doctor. Wish I could offer better advice, but that is pretty much the standard for a glutening. There are no easy fixes!

Hope you feel better soon!

GFinDC Veteran

Hi Cristiana,

 

You could try some Pepto Bismol.  And avoid the Gaviscon.  Basically swap out the aluminum (Gaviscon) for bismuth (Pepto Bismol).  Maybe try another product instead?  Pepto has saliclylic acid in it so if you are totally avoiding aspirin it might not be a good choice.

 

If you search for "nsaids gastro symptoms" on Google there is lots of info about them possibly causing symptoms.

 

Kinda curious why you are taking an antacid in the first place tho.  Are you deficient in aluminum?  Kidding, but not completely.

 

More people have the opposite problem IMHO, too little stomach acid instead of too much.  Stomach acid isn't really an optional thing in our bodies.  It is very important for proper digestion and control of incoming bad buglie-uglies.

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

Overview

Gaviscon, or aluminum with magnesium hydroxide, is an antacid medicine that is used to treat heartburn, gas and a sour stomach, as well as acid indigestion. It also can be taken to treat or prevent other conditions that involve excess stomach acid such as peptic ulcer disease and hiatal hernia. This medication contains aluminum; therefore, side effects may occur in addition to the typically mild or commonly reported outcomes related to this drug.

Gastrointestinal

According to Drugs.com, gastrointestinal problems are the most commonly reported type of side effect associated with this medication. For example, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting may be experienced while taking this drug. In situations where diarrhea and constipation both are experienced or closely alternate, dropping down to lower doses generally will ease these symptoms. Other related side effects that may occur consist of stomach cramps, a chalky aftertaste and an increased sense of being thirsty. A more serious, yet rare side effect is that of developing a bowel obstruction due to aluminum effects.

cristiana Veteran

Thanks cyclinglady and GFinDC.   I think part of the problem is that I can't be at home much at the moment as it is the school holidays and yesterday I think I left too long between meals and when I did eat, it was gluten-free but rather fatty food.   So I shall go equipped with lots of water and eat some bland stuff today.  GFinDC, that is really interesting about Gaviscon - I will try to find the other med you are recommending.     To be honest I have only just started taking it these past few days, taking the NSAID was a stupid thing to do in the first place.   I started to take it for earache about 18 months ago and it left me with a sore, sore stomach, for the first time in my life.  Then I took Omeprazole and the D. started and then six weeks later I was given the Celiac test and bingo.  My diagnosis.   Mind you until that moment my Celiac symptoms had been mainly neurological in nature so in a way, NSAIDs did me a big favour.   I haven't had a sore stomach again until these past few days.  Some people never learn!

nvsmom Community Regular

L-glutamine is thought to help with intestinal (and muscular) healing. It might be a good supplement to add to your arsenal for a while....

cristiana Veteran

Love it - arsenal!  You are so right.   When I open the cupboard I have to be careful that all the bottles of supplements don't fall out and hit me on the head!

cyclinglady Grand Master

Ha, ha! Me too!

On a serious note....I did take L-glutamine for months after I was diagnosed (per recommendations on this forum). Did it help? I can not say for sure, but I thought it did and the mind can do a amazing things in terms of healing. I keep it in hand for accidental glutenings. It does not eliminate my symptoms from a glutening, but I need all the help I can get to expedite intestinal healing as I am trying to build bone!


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



cristiana Veteran

Ha, ha! Me too!

On a serious note....I did take L-glutamine for months after I was diagnosed (per recommendations on this forum). Did it help? I can not say for sure, but I thought it did and the mind can do a amazing things in terms of healing. I keep it in hand for accidental glutenings. It does not eliminate my symptoms from a glutening, but I need all the help I can get to expedite intestinal healing as I am trying to build bone

The mind is powerful and I wish I could switch it from negative to positive mode.   I was just reading the other day how depression can make aches and pains much worse and I suddenly realised I have got so bogged down with feeling ill and imaginging the worst that perhaps that in itself is creating a vicious cycle.  I shall look out this L-glutamine esp. as I notice you say it is also good for the muscles.   Your earlier water tip has also been helpful today, I read somewhere else that it can reduce the acidity much quicker and quite as effectively as over the counter stuff.  Thanks so much.

GFinDC Veteran

Hi Cristiana,

 

The immune reaction is not a few days for most people.  It can last weeks to months.  So your symptoms might hang around for a bit.  I agree, eating bland whole foods may help reduce the irritation in your gut.  So that is a good idea.  I would also take digestive enzymes and pro-biotics with your meals.  Some extra fiber might help too.  I like psyillium husks myself.

 

Here's a link to the Pepto Bismol site.

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

And from one slow learner to another, it's  the end result that matters, not the amount of time in the classroom! :)

 

Edit:  Oh oh, I just saw in your other thread you are in the UK.  I don't know if Pepto Bismol is available over there.  Seems like  they ought to have something comparable there tho?

 

Re-edit:  OK, looks like it is available over in the UK, if you know what cave Boots the Chemist lives in.  Otherwise the yahoo answer suggests taking milk of magnesia as an alternative.  That doesn't sound like a great alternative to me tho.

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

 

Here's a little note from U of Chicago celiac center on NSAIDS.  Just for info.

 

Open Original Shared Link
 

Possibly. A number of stresses can trigger the appearance of celiac disease, and prolonged NSAIDs (due to a negative effect on the GI tract lining) could conceivably be one of those stress factors. However, there is no literature on this.

cristiana Veteran

Thanks so much GFinDC for all of this, you have been extremely helpful.   Boots the Chemist are in almost every town including ours so if things don't get better I can buy some easily. I have looked at the product online and recognise the packaging so I bet they do stock it.  

 

My sister who isn't a celiac told me yesterday that she took two Neurofen a couple of weeks ago and had bad stomach ache for 24 hours so I was definitely asking for trouble taking it around the time of a glutening!  When I had the endoscopy it was stage 3, B subtotal villous atrophy.  I have often wondered if that result has a direct implication on how long it will take to recover, if one can absolutely guarantee no gluten is getting back into the diet.  The pain I was experiencing a few days ago was so similar to pre-diagnosis that I wondered if I have made any progress there!  

 

Thanks again.

GFinDC Veteran

Hi Cristiana,

 

I was thinking from that name that ol' Boots lived in a hollowed out tree or something.  But if there are that many I guess not.  Sounds like Boots are akin to what we call a drug store over here.  Pepto Bismol is supposed to coat the lining of the gut and soothe it.  It can also turn your stool a lovely shade of black, which is not a problem, just a coloring change.  You may need to take a swig of Pepto every couple hours.  I use peppermint tea or peppermint Altoids for gas.  Built-up gas in the gut and stomach can cause pain if it is irritated already.  The peppermint relaxes the muscles and makes it easier for the gas to "escape".  Other than that I just take regular old Bayer aspirin for pain.  Antacids are no help tho, they just lead to more problems IMHO.

 

Total healing can take quite a while.  One study found there were still signs of abnormalities in the gut after 18 months on a gluten-free diet in some people.

 

Maybe you can ask ol' Boots if he has any of these handy drugs that may help.

Open Original Shared Link

cristiana Veteran

Hi Cristiana,

 

I was thinking from that name that ol' Boots lived in a hollowed out tree or something.  But if there are that many I guess not.  Sounds like Boots are akin to what we call a drug store over here.  Pepto Bismol is supposed to coat the lining of the gut and soothe it.  It can also turn your stool a lovely shade of black, which is not a problem, just a coloring change.  You may need to take a swig of Pepto every couple hours.  I use peppermint tea or peppermint Altoids for gas.  Built-up gas in the gut and stomach can cause pain if it is irritated already.  The peppermint relaxes the muscles and makes it easier for the gas to "escape".  Other than that I just take regular old Bayer aspirin for pain.  Antacids are no help tho, they just lead to more problems IMHO.

 

Total healing can take quite a while.  One study found there were still signs of abnormalities in the gut after 18 months on a gluten-free diet in some people.

 

Maybe you can ask ol' Boots if he has any of these handy drugs that may help.

Open Original Shared Link

My husband will love the commercial, his type of humour!  He is British but always reckoned he'd like living in a place like that.

 

Thanks for the tip about trapped wind too, I have a new pain to the left of my abdomen above my hip which I get if I eat dairy and the peppermint tea thing seems to really work.  I think you are right about the antacids, they upset my stomach in another way. 

 

Yes, good old Boots the Chemist has been going for years and was once even owned by the Americans, as I understand it.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      127,883
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Mrs. Muscarella
    Newest Member
    Mrs. Muscarella
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121k
    • Total Posts
      70.5k

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      @Mynx, how long have you been gluten-free? I ask because many newly diagnosed celiacs react to many things, and often think their reactions are caused by gluten, when in fact, they are really caused by a combination of a sensitive gut due to damage, as well as additional food intolerance/leaky gut issues to other foods which may be temporary until their villi heal.
    • Scott Adams
      Many major brands of distilled vinegar in the USA, including Heinz white vinegar, are typically made from corn. In the United States, corn is a common and cost-effective raw material used in the production of distilled white vinegar. The process involves fermenting the sugars derived from corn into alcohol, which is then further fermented into acetic acid to produce vinegar. Distillation follows, which purifies the liquid and removes impurities, including any residual proteins or allergens. While the source of the vinegar (e.g., corn) is not always explicitly stated on the label, corn-derived vinegar is widely used in the food industry due to its neutral flavor and affordability. For individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, distilled vinegar made from corn is generally considered safe, as the distillation process effectively removes gluten proteins. However, if you have concerns about cross-contamination or specific sensitivities, it’s always a good idea to contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the sourcing and production practices. Heinz, for example, has stated that their distilled white vinegar is gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease, but verifying this information can provide additional peace of mind. The belief that distilled vinegar is gluten-free is rooted in the scientific understanding that gluten proteins, which are large and complex molecules, are generally too big to pass through the distillation process. Distillation involves heating a liquid to create vapor, which is then condensed back into a liquid form, leaving behind larger molecules like gluten proteins. However, the concern about cross-contamination arises from the possibility that gluten-containing ingredients may have been present in the liquid prior to distillation. While the distillation process itself is highly effective at removing gluten, the equipment used in production could potentially introduce trace amounts of gluten if not thoroughly cleaned between batches. For most individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, distilled vinegar is considered safe because the gluten content, if any, is typically below the threshold that would trigger a reaction. However, for those with extreme gluten intolerance or celiac disease, even trace amounts can cause adverse effects. This is why some individuals, like yourself, may choose to avoid commercially produced distilled vinegar and opt for alternatives like apple cider vinegar, which can be verified as gluten-free. The meticulous process of researching ingredients and preparing homemade products, such as ketchup, is indeed challenging but crucial for maintaining health and avoiding gluten exposure. It’s important to note that regulatory standards for gluten-free labeling vary by region, and in many places, products labeled "gluten-free" must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is considered safe for the vast majority of people with celiac disease. Nonetheless, individual sensitivity levels can vary, and your approach highlights the importance of personalized dietary management for those with severe gluten intolerance.
    • Bebee
      I have been diagnosed with Microscopic Colitis (LC) for quite a few years, so I have been gluten-free and DF.  I would like to get tested for Celiac Disease because of the possibility of cross contamination and colon cancer.  And if you were hospitalized and didn't have a celiac diagnosis you could not get gluten-free food, I don't know if that is true or not.  Also because there is chance of colon cancer so I want to know if I have Celiac Disease and need to be on very restrictive diet.  The only testing I did was a sigmoid scope and Enter Lab but no gene testing.  I know I can go back to eating gluten for a few months, but I would worry you would have to stay home for the few months while getting gluten.  What other options do I have?  Should I do the gene testing?  Maybe through Entero Lab?  Any other tests?  How important is it to have Celiac diagnosed? Thank you! Barb
    • trents
      Take it easy! I was just prompting you for some clarification.  In the distillation process, the liquid is boiled and the vapor descends up a tube and condenses into another container as it cools. What people are saying is that the gluten molecules are too large and heavy to travel up with the vapor and so get left behind in the original liquid solution. Therefore, the condensate should be free of gluten, no matter if there was gluten in the original solution. The explanation contained in the second sentence I quoted from your post would not seem to square with the physics of the distillation process. Unless, that is, I misunderstood what you were trying to explain.
    • Mynx
      No they do not contradict each other. Just like frying oil can be cross contaminated even though the oil doesn't contain the luten protein. The same is the same for a distilled vinegar or spirit which originally came from a gluten source. Just because you don't understand, doesn't mean you can tell me that my sentences contradict each other. Do you have a PhD in biochemistry or friends that do and access to a lab?  If not, saying you don't understand is one thing anything else can be dangerous to others. 
×
×
  • Create New...