Dr. Sanjoy Mandal | GI Cancer surgeon

  Do you often feel a burning sensation in your chest or a sharp pain in your upper abdomen and wonder: Is it acid reflux? Or something worse, like gallbladder issues? Upper abdominal discomfort can be seriously confusing. Many people mistake gallbladder pain for acid reflux and vice versa, as symptoms of both seem strikingly similar at first. Here are some key differences to help you figure out what’s really going on instead of panicking at 2 a.m. Observe the Area Acid reflux (or GERD ) typically causes a burning sensation in the chest, usually right behind the breastbone. It often comes with regurgitation, a sour taste in the mouth, after eating, especially spicy or heavy meals, and can creep up into your throat. Gallbladder pain, on the other hand, shows up in the upper right abdomen, often radiating to your back or right shoulder. It is usually triggered after eating fatty or heavy meals, but it feels like a deep, stabbing pain or cramping rather than a burn that can last ...

  Seeing blood in stool is one of those “uh-oh” moments that can send anyone into a mild (or major) panic. But before your brain spirals into worst-case scenarios, take a deep breath. It could be something as simple as haemorrhoids or a sign that your gut needs some medical attention. Either way, it is worth understanding why it is happening and what you should do next. Common (and Often Harmless) Causes First things first, blood in the stool can range in colour from bright red to dark, tarry black. The colour often points us to where the bleeding is coming from. Bright red blood usually means bleeding is happening in the lower GI tract like the rectum or anus. This could be caused by: Hemorrhoids (swollen veins) Anal fissures (tiny tears due to constipation) Straining during bowel movements These are typically not life-threatening, but they can be uncomfortable and persistent. A high-fibre diet and proper hydration can help. When Things Get a Bit More Serious Now, if the blo...

Feeling bloated is a pretty common annoyance. We all have blamed it on that extra slice of pizza or a fizzy drink. But what if your belly feels constantly swollen, tight, or visibly bigger even when your diet has been on point? It might not be "just bloating." You could be dealing with something more serious like ascites. What Is Ascites? Ascites is when fluid builds up in your abdomen, causing a swollen or bloated belly. It is often associated with liver issues, especially cirrhosis. However, it can also result from kidney disease, heart failure, or certain cancers. At first glance, ascites looks and feels a lot like regular bloating. But there are some key differences to keep an eye on. Bloating vs. Ascites – How to Differentiate? Bloating usually comes and goes, fluctuates throughout the day, and often eases with a burp (no shame!). It is mostly gas-related and connected to digestion. Ascites, on the other hand: Sticks around (and gets worse over time) Makes your belly fee...