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What Causes Abdominal Bloating?
Question: I have been experiencing discomfort and bloating at night when I lay on either side which is the way that I normally sleep. The discomfort varies in intensity and location which one would expect from gas but I am not flatulent. I don't have constipation or nausea and I don't have diarrhea. I also don't have any sore spots when I press on different areas of my abdomen and I don't have a fever . My stool is normal in color and odor. This has been occurring several nights a week for the last four weeks.
I am a 76 year old man and have always been in excellent health and I don't take any medications
My email address is YYYY@YYYY
I am a 76 year old man and have always been in excellent health and I don't take any medications
My email address is YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
Diet needs to be changed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
After going through your clinical symptoms and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Bloating of abdomen is usually due to indigestion/gastritis, recent sudden increased fiber intake, taking processed foods, improper chewing or reduced bacterial commensals in the gut.
2. Please look into your diet carefully, specifically food items you take after 4 pm in evening. If you have suddenly increased fiber intake, or taking more processed foods - you need to possibly reduce it and avoid it.
3. Chewing the food is important as improper absorption leads to improper digestion and bacteria can ferment and further increased gas production.
4. If the commensals bacteria are reduced, other bacteria can cause more fermenting. Yoghurt or curd intake should replace and put normal commensals into place.
As you are not on any medication, I do not want to start on any medication specifically for gastritis. You try to avoid stress, and spicy or sour food. Antacids are helpful if bloating is too much.
Importantly you need to look at your diet seriously.
Any other symptoms, do let me know.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Diet needs to be changed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
After going through your clinical symptoms and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Bloating of abdomen is usually due to indigestion/gastritis, recent sudden increased fiber intake, taking processed foods, improper chewing or reduced bacterial commensals in the gut.
2. Please look into your diet carefully, specifically food items you take after 4 pm in evening. If you have suddenly increased fiber intake, or taking more processed foods - you need to possibly reduce it and avoid it.
3. Chewing the food is important as improper absorption leads to improper digestion and bacteria can ferment and further increased gas production.
4. If the commensals bacteria are reduced, other bacteria can cause more fermenting. Yoghurt or curd intake should replace and put normal commensals into place.
As you are not on any medication, I do not want to start on any medication specifically for gastritis. You try to avoid stress, and spicy or sour food. Antacids are helpful if bloating is too much.
Importantly you need to look at your diet seriously.
Any other symptoms, do let me know.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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