<human>: HI. I am a 25 year old male living in Africa, having a history of acidity. Recently i was given steroids medication to help my asthma however it cause my body to gain weight and have blood in my stool, i have stopped all medications except use my rota-inhaler (budocote and Asthalin) for my asthma and the doctor prescribed Esomeprazole 2 times a day for my acidity for 2 month. i have noticed if i have herbal ginger tea or any herbal medication that causes blood in my stool and pain on my lower back. Could you help me determine what may the cause be and what test do i require to do inorder to find and treat the problem.
<bot>: Hello. Thank you for asking at Chat Doctor. I went through your history and I would like to give my opinion as follows:1. Oral steroid medications can cause weight gain as well as can cause gastritis (can aggravate acidity). So it's good that you have stopped your medications and started Omeprazole for 2 months.2. Again, it's good that you are controlling your asthma with rota-inhaler - Decor and Stalin. Inhaled medications, if used appropriately, only rarely cause systemic side effects.3. A severe gastritis/peptic ulcer can cause bleeding in stomach/upper part of small intestine. So if your stool contains black blood, it means blood is coming from stomach/small intestine. Taking antacids such as Omeprazole for at least 8 weeks will help in such case. However, if it does not improve, I would suggest you Upper GIs copy (endoscopy of stomach and 1st part of small intestine).4. If your stool contains fresh/red blood or blood Chat Doctor.  In that case, oral steroids are not usually the cause. In that case, you will need a Gastroenterologist consultation to identify the case and proper treatment.5. Ginger, in excess amount, can also cause gastritis. So personally I would suggest you to avoid it for at least 2-4 weeks after your blood in stool is clear.6. I would also suggest you to avoid hot & spicy food. Please avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeinated beverages if you are taking. Hope above points will help you. Wish you the bast of the health. Regards.