Hey, I'm 18 yrs. old and have been recently having pain in the "just below the breastbone" area of my stomach. My stomach feels bloated and it hurts when I apply pressure to it. In addition to that, I hear burps in my stomach as if it was letting off gases. Everytime I eat, the pain intensifies. I seem to have lost apetite and lost some weights over the last week. This all began last week when I began taking Toprol XL for high blood pressure. Could there be any connections with this? I also have ulcer history within my family as my brother ended up in the hospital a few years ago and so has my dad. I'm leaning towards ulcers but I'm not sure. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Ulcers ---85% of stomach(peptic) ulcers are caused by H.pylori bacteria infections. You can be tested with a blood test or a breath test to see if you're positive. Ulcers are not inherited???
Toprol XL is an extended release beta blocker---- it basically slows your heart rate down and dialates your blood vessels. This type medication is not usually given at the beginning of High BP---- usually ---Diet modifications and salt reduction prior to this expensive heavy duty medication. I haven't looked up the side-effects but your druggist could tell you.
The symptoms you describe sounds like a hiatus hernia.
Same with me and it was hiatial hernia not an ulcer. An Upper GI x-ray Barium swallow will reveal the source of the problem. Good luck, I know from experience how painful it can be.
Ok, it seems as if my condition has improved greatly over the weekend. I have gained my apetite back and no more stomach problems, at least for now. Yesterday, I had the worst diarhea-all green water.(That's what I needed) Anyway, I came to a conclusion that I just might've had a stomach virus or some food poisoning. Thanks for your responses, guys, I really appreciate it. So long for now...
Stomach problem 
