Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Extreme Bloating Of Stomach?
I am over 80 years of age, 5ft 2in tall, 8st 4lb in weight, and in good health - BUT I have developed a big tummy over the past 6 months or more. I have NOT put on any weight which has been more or less constant for the past 3 years. I do, however, have a hiatus hernia which was diagnosed last November (for which I have since been taking an Omeprazole 20 mg capsule before my main meal at mid-day), and diverticulosis. I also take medication for osteoporosis, and have been doing so for several years. I am NOT in any sort of pain, apart from that caused by wind etc!
I am mentally and physically active – people do not believe that I am 80+! But I am very aware of my tummy these days – I feel that I ‘look’ pregnant (I never have been!). I never used to have problems doing up blouses around my tummy, but I do now – with the same blouses.
I eat sensibly – trying to consume my 5 fruit and veg each day. However, I have to be honest and say that I am NOT a cook. I tend to eat ‘ready meals’ (cottage pie, lasagne, fish pie, spaghetti bolognaise, pasty etc), followed by an apple, banana, Clementine etc. I do not drink or smoke. My liquid intake (tea, water, coffee, fruit squash) is about 7 cups a day – with a biscuit or two (no more) mid-morning, mid-afternoon and before going to bed. I eat a light supper – salad, something on toast etc - followed by fruit. I rarely eat cakes. Breakfast is just a plate of cereal sprinkled with a little sugar and dried raisins or similar.
My bowel movements are fairly regular, but I do need to pass water more often – sometimes 3 times during the night, but usually twice.
Is it just ‘old age’?
I am mentally and physically active – people do not believe that I am 80+! But I am very aware of my tummy these days – I feel that I ‘look’ pregnant (I never have been!). I never used to have problems doing up blouses around my tummy, but I do now – with the same blouses.
I eat sensibly – trying to consume my 5 fruit and veg each day. However, I have to be honest and say that I am NOT a cook. I tend to eat ‘ready meals’ (cottage pie, lasagne, fish pie, spaghetti bolognaise, pasty etc), followed by an apple, banana, Clementine etc. I do not drink or smoke. My liquid intake (tea, water, coffee, fruit squash) is about 7 cups a day – with a biscuit or two (no more) mid-morning, mid-afternoon and before going to bed. I eat a light supper – salad, something on toast etc - followed by fruit. I rarely eat cakes. Breakfast is just a plate of cereal sprinkled with a little sugar and dried raisins or similar.
My bowel movements are fairly regular, but I do need to pass water more often – sometimes 3 times during the night, but usually twice.
Is it just ‘old age’?
Mon, 5 Jan 2015
Hello
As you mentioned that you are 80 + and in quite good shape and healthy .
Last November you diagnosed Hiatus hernia and diverticlois for which taking omeprazole.
Now main concern is bloating.
This is NOT DUE TO OLD age because you are otherwise healthy.
But you have to change certain diet habits and these measures may be useful for you.
Try raising the head of your bed about 4 inches with blocks. It might also help yo avoid EATING or DRINKING for 3-4 hours before you lie down. Your supper should be even more lighter as you take now a days.
To help control stomach acid one should not drinks with caffeine in them or eat chocolates or sweets or oily or spicy foods ( however your diet is healthy but certain foods like cottage pie, fish pie, spaghetti may produces some acid as this is the root cause of your bloating).
Some times on the name of healthy eating some person take more food then required ,so please be careful about.
Tension and anxiety are another reasons of such bloating ,so if such , avoid or get rid off with your own will.
Hope these measures may be useful for you.
However, sometimes you can take antacid ( if it contains oxetacine better).
Good luck.
As you mentioned that you are 80 + and in quite good shape and healthy .
Last November you diagnosed Hiatus hernia and diverticlois for which taking omeprazole.
Now main concern is bloating.
This is NOT DUE TO OLD age because you are otherwise healthy.
But you have to change certain diet habits and these measures may be useful for you.
Try raising the head of your bed about 4 inches with blocks. It might also help yo avoid EATING or DRINKING for 3-4 hours before you lie down. Your supper should be even more lighter as you take now a days.
To help control stomach acid one should not drinks with caffeine in them or eat chocolates or sweets or oily or spicy foods ( however your diet is healthy but certain foods like cottage pie, fish pie, spaghetti may produces some acid as this is the root cause of your bloating).
Some times on the name of healthy eating some person take more food then required ,so please be careful about.
Tension and anxiety are another reasons of such bloating ,so if such , avoid or get rid off with your own will.
Hope these measures may be useful for you.
However, sometimes you can take antacid ( if it contains oxetacine better).
Good luck.
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Diverticulosis
Loading Online Doctors....