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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
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Chronic Stomach Bloating
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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MedHelp Member's Question

Chronic Stomach Bloating

by SarahR, Jan 08, 2004 12:00AM
I have been suffering from abdominal bloating daily for over a month now.  It's usually at its lowest in the morning, but as I start eating anything or even drinking water - I swell up.  I am not suffering from cramps, diarrea or constipation - just bloating.  I've tried cutting out different kinds of foods, but nothing works.  My doctor thinks it's IBS and says to eat more fiber, but I am already eating 25-30 grams per day and am not constipated.  I've had this condition sporadically for many years (for a day or two at most) but it was infrequent and seemed to happen more with eating too much starch/sugar which I rarely eat anymore.  In fact, up until a month ago, I though it was fluid retention.  Can anyone help - I'm very uncomforatble and look 5 months pregant on a daily basis.

Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 09, 2004 12:00AM
IBS is one of the more common reasons for bloating, but you should exclude other causes first.  You may want to consider an upper and/or lower endoscopy to make sure inflammation or any other type of inflammatory condition isn't present.



If the disease is truly IBS (i.e. by making sure no other diseases are present), you may want to consider optimizing treatment for the bloating.  This can include specific medication to cut down on the amount of gas produced (i.e Gas-X, or Beano), or specific prescription anti-spasmodic agents.  



Other causes of bloating can include malabsorption.  Testing your stool for infection and fat malabsorption can be considered.  You may also want to consider a blood test to evaluate for celiac disease.



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Thanks,

Kevin, M.D.

Member Comments (6)

by yoshi, Jan 09, 2004 12:00AM
starch and sugar are yeast food,you may have a case of yeast infection.

have you been on anti biotics??

by SarahR, Jan 09, 2004 12:00AM
Actually, I was on antibiotics for seven months up until October.  The chronic daily bloating started in December.

by yoshi, Jan 10, 2004 12:00AM
simple test would be eat yogurt which has that lact------ bacteria and see if it will restore the flora in your system.

there are also tablets you can buy .

by sunny_one, Jan 13, 2004 12:00AM
Have you had stool tests for parasites? That can cause bloating and similar IBS symptoms.

by hugues, Jan 23, 2004 12:00AM
Not really a comment but I would like to share my symptoms which are similar to the original poster Sarah ...



I am a 39 year old male with a problem:



One day (about 3 months) ago, I went to have a meal at a restaurant.

The next day, I had cramps and some heavy duty diarrhea. Nothing to worry about really, or so I thought.

Since that day, I have been having the following symptoms after every single meal (whether I eat a soup or a medium size pizza):



- Heavy bloating (bloating seems to be relieved by passing gas either by belching or farting)

- Some tenderness all over the gut area especially on the left side where the stomach sits

- Feeling that some fluid (liquid or gas, probably gas) moves around (gurgling noises)

- Some actual distention of the belly (I am not sure about that but it sure feels that way, maybe some fluid retention ?)



These symptoms usually start after I eat and last up to 5-6 hours.



My bowel movements look quite normal. Same as they ever were.

No diarrhea.

No dark stool.

My weight has not changed.



So far, I have had a blood test and a biopsy somewhere below the stomach to rule out Celiac disease.

I also had the X-ray of the upper GI done earlier, which revealed nothing.

The endoscopy that was performed for the biopsy did not reveal anything abnormal in the stomach.



Any advice that could help me or the original poster ?

Any feedback Sarah ?



Well, I wish you all the best.



Thanks for reading,

Hugues -

by Lori83179, Feb 16, 2004 12:00AM
For months now anytime I eat anything my stomach bloats severly. To the point that I look about 5 months pregnant.  I just went to my family dr this past week. She didn't have much to say about it, told me an over the counter med to take and gave me a box of meds from the office to take. i've been taking them both and nothing has changed.  I'm getting worried...don't know what to do. If I should go back to this same doctor or go see someone else.  I'm miserable. Have had weight gain of about 25 pounds in about 6 months, i'mtired all the time and now i have this stomach bloating!  

Any advice?  Thank you. email:  ***@****

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