Bloating and IBS

Most foods I eat cause Bloating about 1 -1 1/2 hours after eating and last for another 2-4 hours. I must eat gas-ex to get relief. I'm eating alot of gas-ex! Fried food definitely makes things worse and can result in diarhearra as well. I don't smoke. And I would think swallowing air would cause bloating right away, not in an hour. I've had IBS like symtoms (symptoms) all or most of my life, but, the bloating is definitly getting worse over the last few years. My Question is... should I go see a Doctor or just keep eating gas-ex? And what could be the problem??

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

There are several causes of bloating.  The first would be irritable bowel syndome - which can make the abdominal viscera more sensitive, causing the bloating feeling.

Other causes would be dyspepsia (i.e. ulcers, GERD, inflammation), infections, or malabsorption syndromes (either carbohydrate or fat malabsorption, or celiac disease).  Swallowing air (aerophagia) is another prominent cause of bloating.  

To answer your question, I would seek a physician.  Tests such as upper and/or lower endoscopies can be considered to rule out any serious GI disorder, and tests for malabsorption - including a fecal fat test, and tests for carbohydrate intolerance can be considered.  

Taking Gas-X would help the symptoms, but I would further pursue it to ensure there are no serious causes for your bloating.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[yoshi]

yes,you should go see a doctor.
you should find out where the gas comes from??
do you fart after taking gas -x??

[bikeski2]

Not alot of intestinal gas... mostly just stomach gas/ Bloating!

[eric_wong]

I have same problem , lots of gas in stomach .

Please try some Chinese herbs .It could be mal absorption in the stomach , in balance of bio-system inside stomach , or failure of pancreas to secrete necessary juices.

regards,
EW

[Dash]

Ever think you may have something like a food allergy or something? You should see a naturopathic physician if you can get food testing in your area. You will find this to be quite helpful after you eliminate some of the foods from your diet...your gas should eventually go away. You may be also low on HCL in your stomach which can cause indigestion. A couple of considerations.