Answer:

Your symptoms of belching, bloating, and indigestion could be due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) combined with gastroduodenal ulcers. GERD is often accompanied by persistent and recurring heartburn, belching, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing. Your doctor may recommend a 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring test to diagnose reflux or a high-resolution esophageal motility study (HRM) if esophageal spasms are suspected.

Your frequent constipation alternating with diarrhea is a common sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS typically causes either constipation or diarrhea, but sometimes both can occur, making it difficult to distinguish.

Doctor Huynh Van Trung consults with a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Huynh Van Trung consults with a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

You should visit a hospital with a gastroenterology department for a direct examination. Depending on your symptoms, the doctor may order additional tests for an accurate diagnosis and to develop a specific treatment plan. If GERD is the cause, treatment typically involves medication combined with lifestyle changes for 4–8 weeks. If there is no or minimal response to treatment, an endoscopy may be recommended to rule out other causes or assess potential complications of reflux, such as esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, or esophageal stricture.

Untreated GERD can lead to serious complications, including esophageal ulcers, esophageal stricture, Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition), esophageal cancer, or recurring respiratory problems such as pharyngitis, laryngitis, and chronic cough.

While IBS is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact quality of life. Lifestyle changes, combined with medication prescribed by your doctor, can help manage symptoms.

Doctor Huynh Van Trung, MD, PhD

Center for Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Digestive Surgery

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM