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What Causes Intestinal Gas, Bloating And Abdominal Cramps?

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Posted on Fri, 2 Jan 2015
Question: I have recently started to have a lot of intestinal gas and bloating. Some cramping on my lower left
side.

i also have a lot of belching, and the gas is painful
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Probiotics and soluble fiber diet.

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. Intestinal gas and bloating is commonly due to change in intestinal flora. The normal commensal bacteria are replaced by gas producing bacteria, which causes increased gas production leading on to bloating and cramps.
2. You will need to take probiotics to replace the intestinal flora. Take it atleast for 2-3 weeks for good results.
3. Additionally, avoid insoluble fiber in diet. Predominately soluble fiber from vegetables and fruits will be helpful. Occasionally high insoluble fiber can cause increased gas production. Avoid insoluble fiber. Look into your diet carefully and see if any food is increasing gas production and cramping - if you find it, avoid it.
4. Digestive supplements maybe necessary, if it does not improve with probiotics alone.
5. If you have burping also, avoid talking or taking in air during food. Also avoid eating slowly. Hope you have no acidity.
6.. Reduce use of lactose rich food and artificial sweeteners.

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

Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (39 minutes later)
should I continue to take what I have been taking. I also am taking digestive
enzyme. I will start probiotics. There are so many, can you suggest one.
Is this is serious condition?????? I seem to worry and it stresses me....
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Its a simple condition. Relax and do not worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.

This is not a serious condition. Its only an abdominal disturbance due to diet.

Diet needs to watched for fiber and any intolerant food (which could cause increase gas formation like mild and milk products). Start probiotics.

Continue all medications you are taking. Add probiotics.

Unless you are having any blood in stools, not to worry. Also taken good amount of fluids.

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

Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (39 minutes later)
what causes the pain on my lower left side? Is that serious?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Gas distending intestine. Not serious.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.

Gas formation occurs usually in the large intestine. As the gas accumulates initially on the right side, and as it moves distending the intestine, the left side will feel the distension more. So pain will be more on the left side.

As the gas moves out of the rectum, the pain eases.

Due to increased gas accumulation and distension of intestines, the pain is on the lower left side. The pain will be in the middle, then to left and then as the gas goes out, it will reduce.

It is not serious. Watching your diet is most important along with probiotics.

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

Dr. Prakash HM
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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What Causes Intestinal Gas, Bloating And Abdominal Cramps?

Brief Answer: Probiotics and soluble fiber diet. 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. Intestinal gas and bloating is commonly due to change in intestinal flora. The normal commensal bacteria are replaced by gas producing bacteria, which causes increased gas production leading on to bloating and cramps. 2. You will need to take probiotics to replace the intestinal flora. Take it atleast for 2-3 weeks for good results. 3. Additionally, avoid insoluble fiber in diet. Predominately soluble fiber from vegetables and fruits will be helpful. Occasionally high insoluble fiber can cause increased gas production. Avoid insoluble fiber. Look into your diet carefully and see if any food is increasing gas production and cramping - if you find it, avoid it. 4. Digestive supplements maybe necessary, if it does not improve with probiotics alone. 5. If you have burping also, avoid talking or taking in air during food. Also avoid eating slowly. Hope you have no acidity. 6.. Reduce use of lactose rich food and artificial sweeteners. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again. Dr. Prakash HM