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What Causes Flatulence, Bloating, Cough And Periodic Diarrhea?
Question: Hi,
I'm a 60 year old male, 5'10 and 155 lbs; in pretty good health with no cardio issues.
I have had an ongoing (for 6 months) fairly sudden and substantial increase in flatulence, plus bloated stomach, and coughing due to stomach gas, as well as periodic diarrhea. No heart burn or similar throat symptoms though. I have been checked for the more common parasites and these were negative...
Thanks for your help.
Mark Currie
I'm a 60 year old male, 5'10 and 155 lbs; in pretty good health with no cardio issues.
I have had an ongoing (for 6 months) fairly sudden and substantial increase in flatulence, plus bloated stomach, and coughing due to stomach gas, as well as periodic diarrhea. No heart burn or similar throat symptoms though. I have been checked for the more common parasites and these were negative...
Thanks for your help.
Mark Currie
Brief Answer:
probiotics/dietary changes
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
It is a concerning problem to have an increase in flatulence and periodic diarrhea. There are several possible causes for this. One is that the normal bacteria in your gut have been shifted and so you do not have the normal bacteria that help you with digestion. Another cause is too much stomach acid which can cause your symptoms. Another is lactose intolerance which may develop at any age. A more concerning condition would be inflammatory bowel disease.
I suggest you try first adding a probiotic (supplement) to your diet daily and stopping all dairy. If this is not successful try taking an antacid and see if that helps. If none of this helps you may need to see a gastroenterologist to get a colonoscopy to evaluate you for inflammatory bowel disease.
I hope you get some relief soon,
Dr. Robinson
probiotics/dietary changes
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
It is a concerning problem to have an increase in flatulence and periodic diarrhea. There are several possible causes for this. One is that the normal bacteria in your gut have been shifted and so you do not have the normal bacteria that help you with digestion. Another cause is too much stomach acid which can cause your symptoms. Another is lactose intolerance which may develop at any age. A more concerning condition would be inflammatory bowel disease.
I suggest you try first adding a probiotic (supplement) to your diet daily and stopping all dairy. If this is not successful try taking an antacid and see if that helps. If none of this helps you may need to see a gastroenterologist to get a colonoscopy to evaluate you for inflammatory bowel disease.
I hope you get some relief soon,
Dr. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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