Gastroenterology

Yes—soda can cause diarrhea in men, most often due to caffeine speeding colon movement, high sugar or fructose drawing water into the intestines, and sugar alcohols in diet sodas (plus acidity/carbonation) irritating the gut. Individual tolerance varies and risks rise with IBS or fructose malabsorption; for specific ingredient triggers, intake thresholds, safer drink swaps, and when to seek medical care, see the complete details below—especially if diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours or comes with fever, blood, dehydration, severe pain, or weight loss.

Pain just under the ribs can be sharp or stabbing, dull and bruised, or a deep gnawing ache, often worse with deep breaths, coughing, or twisting; the area may be tender with guarding, and pain can refer to the shoulder tip if the diaphragm is irritated. Seek urgent care for dizziness/fainting, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, vomiting or abdominal swelling, or severe/worsening pain, which can signal internal bleeding. There are several factors to consider—including how muscle/cartilage injuries differ from liver or spleen injury and how doctors confirm this with ultrasound/CT—see below for important details that can guide your next steps.

Left upper quadrant abdominal pain is discomfort under the left ribs that can come from the stomach/colon (gas, gastritis/ulcer), spleen, pancreas, kidney, ribs/muscles, or even lungs/heart—ranging from minor issues to emergencies like pancreatitis, splenic infarct, pneumonia, or a heart problem. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, fever, persistent vomiting, blood in vomit/stool, shortness of breath, fainting, or after trauma; otherwise, evaluation typically includes an exam, labs, and imaging, with treatment tailored to the cause. There are several factors to consider—see the complete guidance below for red flags, workup steps, and targeted self-care and treatments that could affect your next decision.

There are several factors to consider: shared triggers like stress/anxiety, migraines with gastrointestinal symptoms, infections or food poisoning/intolerance, dehydration, medication irritation, or IBS can cause both at once via the gut–brain axis and inflammatory signals. Simple self-care (fluids, bland foods, acetaminophen, rest and stress management) often helps, but urgent signs—sudden “worst-ever” headache, high fever with persistent vomiting, blood in stool/vomit, severe or worsening abdominal pain, dehydration, or confusion—need immediate care; see the complete details below to understand more and choose the right next steps.

Eating fatty or heavy foods may cause right-sided pain under the ribs, especially if there are gallstones involved.

Left-sided rib pain can be linked to digestive issues, as gas or stomach problems might cause pressure in the abdomen, affecting nearby areas.

Yes, right rib pain can be due to gallbladder issues like gallstones, which often cause pain in the upper right part of the belly.

Left upper abdominal pain after eating could be a concern, especially if it persists or worsens over time. It may be related to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive issues.

Liver-related pain on the right side could be worrying if it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever or jaundice. Conditions like liver abscesses or hematomas can cause such pain and may need medical attention.

Omeprazole is used to reduce stomach acid, which may help with reflux symptoms, but it can sometimes cause a cough.

Sleep apnea and acid reflux, or GERD, are linked because both can make each other worse, especially at night. This happens because sleep apnea can change how the body works during sleep, leading to more acid reaching the throat.

Drinking coffee while taking stomach medicine may affect your stomach because coffee can increase stomach acid and affect the esophagus. It is important to consult with your doctor about your specific situation. See below to understand more.

It's not recommended to stop proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) suddenly. Gradually reducing the dose may help prevent symptoms from coming back. See below to understand more.

Long-term use of omeprazole can be safe for some people, but it may come with risks. It's important to talk to a doctor about your specific situation. See below to understand more.

Probiotics can help prevent diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics. They add good bacteria to your gut, which can help balance the effects of antibiotics. See below to understand more.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) might reduce calcium absorption in some cases, but the evidence is mixed, and more research is needed. See below to understand more.

Using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase the risk of certain infections, especially in the stomach and intestines. See below to understand more.

Using laxatives every day can be safe in certain situations, but it's important to choose the right type and follow medical advice. See below to understand more.

Taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) before meals helps it work better to reduce stomach acid. See below to understand more.

Yes, ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, especially if taken frequently or in high doses. See below to understand more.