Strange Rumblings

  Over the past few months,I have developed the most embarassing wind problem.It`s very loud,uncontollable,and often accompanied by a strong.foul smell.On occassions I have had faecal leakage with this wind.Sometimes my stomach sounds as if it is fermenting.I have tried different diets,but the only improvement has been when I starve myself.My bowel movements are very loose,and often violently expelled.I am wondering if I have a food allergy,a blockage or something more sinister.Any suggestions please?
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Dear Jane,
Although I doubt that your symptoms of excessive gas, stomach noises and diarrhea are the result of serious illness, I nevertheless believe that you should be investigated for an intestinal infection (stool cultures) and and for intestinal inflammation ( small bowel and colon barium studies and sigmoidoscopy).  Depending on your age and other symptoms, I might consider endoscopy instead of the X-rays.
Assuming that the workup is normal (as I would expect) what are the most likely explanations for your symptoms? You could have food allergies but this diagnosis may be difficult to confirm. Your symptoms may be due to swallowed air.  This can occur if you breathes through your mouth, chew gum, eat quickly or have poorly fitting dentures.  Lifestyle traits that increase the risk of intestinal gas also include talking while eating and drinking with a straw.  There are also dietary causes for increased gas.  For example drinking more milk, eating more salads or increasing the quantity of fiber eaten could cause your symptoms.
It has been my observation that developing a regular bowel pattern tends to improve these symptoms.  I would suggest that you start taking fiber e.g. Metamucil daily.  The dosage would be gradually increased until you had daily formed stool.  A word of warning, however, is needed.  Taking fiber will give you more gas and in the short period make you feel worse.  If you persist, however, the bowel pattern should improve and the gas will be less of a problem.
This response is offered for your general information and should not replace the conclusions drawn from a careful and complete evaluation by your physician.
If you want, we would be happy to see you in the Division of Gastroenterology at Henry Ford Hospital. You can arrange an appointment with Dr. Fogel, one of our experts in the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal disorders, by calling the Henry Ford Physician Referral Line at [phone].
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: irritable bowel disease, gas, diarrhea
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