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Suggest Treatment For Severe Abdominal Bloating

Posted on Sat, 12 Sep 2015

Question: How can you determine the difference if it's fat or bloat. I've had some bowel issues for a month or two. Never feel empty but no bleeding and while stools aren't normal size they use to be they're bigger then pencil ... More like finger diameter . Anyway my stomach and upper abdomen are expanding my sister says it just looks bloated

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Check the weight. If it has increased, its fat.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Bloating is usually seen in short period and feeling of fulness or stretched abdomen will be present.
2. Passing gas/ flatus should relieve bloating.
3. There won't be weight gain with bloating. If there is weight gain, its definitely fat.
4. Stool size depends on hydration, and fiber material. Increase fiber and hydration (at least 4-6 liters of water per day), it should improve.
5. Continue with probiotics, it will relieve bloating.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (35 hours later)

No weight gain even though I thought it would be up because my TSH went from .02 to 5.7 in just two months anyway to pas much gas and always concerned that more than gas will pass. Will keep up with probiotics

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, continue with probiotics and fiber diet

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for replying.

If there is no weight gain, its probably gas.

Keep up with probiotics. Take fiber diet mainly from fruits and vegetables. Exercises, even of mild nature will improve gastrointestinal motility.

TSH increase usually causes weight gain secondary to hypothyroidism. Maybe, the treatment was started on time.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.

Thanks for asking. Stay healthy.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (19 hours later)

I find it hard to believe that bloating from gas would be constant for over a month especially with no weight gain already doing probiotics already plenty of water little or no dairy and high fiber in diet. Afraid to pass gas as it sometimes is not passing just gas and don't feel empty after a BM Walk daily if I feel confident I can be away from bathroom.

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Keeping diet diary and taking fiber rich diet or bulking agents.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for replying.

It appears you are having fecal incontinence.

Bulking agents to pass all of them together is one of the best methods. Bulking agents will help in complete evacuation and you should feel empty.

Also, gas forming agents like insoluble fiber or pulses, which could be responsible should be avoided. Do continue avoiding dairy products.

If still a problem, you can try using anal plugs. It can be uncomfortable, but will serve the purpose.

Also, try to keep a diary of food intake and evaluate, which products are causing more bloating formation. Based on the diary, you can avoid specific foods.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.

Dr. Prakash HM

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar