I'm 20 years old and I usually have diarrhea problems or loose stools...but lately it has come on a lot more strongly. I've also had tons of gas, felt very bloated, and now I constantly burp. I've been having trouble swallowing and other symptoms but I got that checked out with an ENT and he found signs of acid reflux and sinus problems. I also have an acidic taste in my mouth...I'm hoping from the reflux. But I feel bloated, like I have to go to the bathroom all of the time, I have constantly loose stool, and I always have air coming up and I have to burp constantly. Any suggestions? Could this colorectal or stomach cancer?

Mack:
It sounds like it is an acid reflux, or colonic motility disorder. I would start with medications for acid reflux, like Aciphex or Prilosec, and see if this helps. If not, your next step should be to see a GI, not an ENT, and have an UPPER endoscopy to begin with. Unless you have any bleeding rectally, or flattened or pencil-thin or ribbo-like formed stool, I would not worry about colorectal cancer at this point.

You may be able to have your insurance pay for you to have a colonoscopy at the same time as an endoscopy based on your symptoms. You will already be medicated and doing an outpatient procedure, so it's a lot cheaper for the insurance company. Especially if you have ANY family history of colorectal cancer. Most GI's would have NO PROBLEM doing both procedures at the same time.

Please come back and let us know the results, or if you have any additional questions. :)

Good Luck,
CancerDad :angel:

PS If you read this before I could edit, I'm sorry! For some reason the site froze up. ~CD