Hello! I'm hoping some of you can shed some light on my symptoms I have been experiencing. For the past five days, I have been feeling pretty crappy. I thought I was getting the flu because I am sometimes very nauseated, my stomach is often grumbling and rumbling, no matter if it's empty or full...it feels like it's empty almost always, but I can't bring myself to eat much because nothing sounds good to me. I've lost 3 lbs. Another strange thing is that I'm very gassy...both flatulence and also belching. And belching is something that I never do. Also, I get this sweet starchy taste in my mouth after I eat something, and my saliva tastes like it too. Usually I only get this when I have the flu, but I don't think this is the flu since I have not vomited or had diarrhea. Do you think it could be an ulcer? I'm a 30yr.old female. I've started taking Zantac over the counter to see if it will help. How long should I let this go on before I see a dr.? Thanks!

If you have had this rumbly and gurgly belly and have been feeling quite sick with it, then although you don't have vomiting or diarrhea, it is still possible that you have a dose of the stomach flu. Either that or you just have an ordinary stomach upset that will resolve in time.

If it is a stomach flu, then it may take a little longer than 5 days to resolve. It can take up to two weeks for everything to settle down.

I would advise you not take over the counter meds such as Zantac. If it is a stomach flu, then you really don't need it and if you have excess gas then it is better to take a Probiotic supplement or eat some live yogurt to help re-balance the inestinal bacteria. Belching and gas are a sign that things are unbalanced. Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluid and see if it settled. If not then go and see your doc and let him see if you have a problem, rather than taking OTC that could be incorrect for your problem in the end. Also, make sure that you don't eat too many acidic foods. These can cause a rumbly belly and gas too.

Good luck

Hello!
It sounds like the exact thing that happened to me last year. I had an empty feeling in my belly and sometimes hunger pains. My stomach would rumble and gurgle all of the time and I had no appetite. I would walk around the grocery store and leave empty handed because nothing sounded good to me. I also lost weight. My doctor prescribed me prevacid and I felt much better - I had my life back again. How is the zantac working for you? Do you get any relief?
I think you should see your doctor so that he/she is aware of what you are experiencing and may be able to help you feel better.