Q: I am 40 years old. Recently I was diagnosed with mild hypothyroidism and mitral valve prolapse. My blood pressure is normal. I have the following symptoms for the last few years: two hours after eating, I start burping. If I ignore it for long, I get burning sensation in the stomach and throughout the food passage. I feel al right after taking food. But I burp a lot after that also, before the stomach settles down. It takes an hour for the tummy to come back to normal. I take good breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea at 11 a.m. and again at 3.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Why does this happen to me? Secondly, when I am hungry, I become very confused, weak, feel irritated and unable to speak. I fast on Saturday mornings. After taking food in the afternoon, I feel terrible and weak. The next day also, I feel weak and crave to eat more. It takes 2-3 days for the whole thing to settle down. Is the above problem related to gas or hypothyroidism? Why do I feel confused? What is the solution for the problem?

A:Your symptoms are suggestive of acid peptic disease. It has no relation with your hypothyroidism. For some reason, the acid secretion in your stomach has increased. Please undertake the following lifestyle modification measures: 1. Decrease intake of tea and coffee 2. Take small and frequent meals instead of 1 or 2 large meals 3. Avoid fatty and spicy food items The following medications, may be useful. Please check with your local doctor regarding these. 1. Tab. Pantocid 40 mg twice a day 1/2 hour before breakfast for 4 weeks 2. Tab. Domstal 10 mg twice a day 15 minutes before lunch and dinner for 4 weeks With the above measures all your symptoms should settle down. However if you still continue to face some problem, please visit a gastroenterologist, who may consider an upper GI Endoscopy.