belching

Hello,
      I really don't know if this is posted in the right place but here goes. For years I have been suffereing with severe trapped wind and very soft mucasy stools. I also have a severe thirst all of the time and feel short of breath. If I do any exercise I will end up having a belching session that will be constant for about 30 mins. Also if I go for a drink with my mates(im 33) i will be ill for 3 days and normally end up having a belching session whilst recovering.I cannot eat pastry as this bloats me up straight away and again belching.
I have been for an endoscopy in the past and they found many polyps( I seen the picture and the bottom of my stomach looked like a mountain range),but they were found to be not cancerous and I was informed that they were normal. I had been taking zoton tablets for years as my constant belching was bringing up all of my acid and causing pain but these seemed to cure my eccess acid.
My main problems now are soft mucasy stools, extreme thirst, trapped wind and belching, tiredness and nausia, short of breath(sometimes this is caused by trapped wind which seems to be pushing on my chest).I also become ill after a drink(as if I have poisen in my system).
Sorry about the lengh but its 10 years of my problems.
Thanks
Dave..

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are many reasons for increased gas and belching.  One of the most common reasons would be irritable bowel syndrome.  This is a disorder that increases the sensitivity of the abdominal viscera to gas.  

There are also several foods that can increase gas.  Several foods contain the carbohydrate raffinose, which is poorly digested and leads to gas production by the action of colonic bacteria. Common foods containing raffinose include beans, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and asparagus.

Malabsorption of foods can also lead to gas as well as change in stool consistency.  This can be tested by sending your stool out to the lab for testing - i.e. fecal fat testing.  Blood tests can also be considered to look for celiac disease (which is another form of malabsorption).  

The endoscopy you had suggested that it was a lower endoscopy (with the mention of polyps).  You can consider an upper endoscopy to make sure there are no further disorders that can lead to the sensation increased gas (i.e. ulcers, GERD etc.).

A gastroenterology evaluation would be reasonable for further workup.  

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.

[kevinmd]

I'll be away until January 4th.  I will answer your question when I return.

Happy New Year,
Kevin, M.D.