Food allergies linked to abdominal pain

DEAR DR. GOTT: Your article about the undiagnosed stomach problems sounded exactly like my niece. She suffered for several years until she saw an allergist, who found that she had many food allergies. As long as she avoids those foods, she is pain-free.

DEAR READER: I received three other letters similar to yours. Two of those also mentioned H. Pylori, along with the food allergies and sensitivities.

H. Pylori is a common type of bacteria thought to be present in about half of the world’s population. Most people do not exhibit symptoms, nor do they experience any complications; however, for others, it can lead to potentially serious problems.
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Medication causes diarrhea

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m an elderly lady with heart trouble. I developed H. pylori about six years ago and have been hospitalized twice for it, as I became weak from not being able to eat much. I still have diarrhea every morning. Please let me know any information on this sickness.

Also, my heart medications are potassium and torsemide. Lately, my feet and ankles are swelling more than usual, and my physician’s assistant wants me to double the torsemide. Would this injure my kidneys? How long is it safe to take? I usually take half a tab, but I would then be taking one whole pill. Is there a way to swallow my larger pills more easily?
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