Excessive Gas/Flatulence

[Phil C.]

Good day:

I was glad to find your site on the web the other day, and have some questions about a problem that has been troubling me, on and off, for about a year now.

I get bouts of extremely bad smelling and frequent gas...from time to time.  These bouts may last for about a week or so.  The gas is always in the lowest part of my abdomen.  There is no pain associated with the bouts, just the need to pass the gas, to relieve to build-up, as it were.

When I am plagued by these bouts of gas, I do notice, however, that my bowel movements tend to be more "sticky" and not well formed (flaky...some formed, the sticky part when cleaning myself up, and some flakes).  The color is usually a medium to dark brown (twice, many months apart during bouts I noticed the stool had a greenish color.  In fact, the first was when I was travelling on business and was in Florida.  I was gasey and my stomach felt upset at the time; I thought it was related to the change in food or water.  My stool was greenish several times then.  That was over a year ago.)  I do not see any presence of blood; occasionally there is a trace of mucus.

At these times, I often feel the urge to defecate more than my usual once a day (after my first cup of coffee in the morning).  Sometimes there is bowel movement, other times very little is produced.  Gas is usually expelled; however, I can get up after the bowel movement and feel, almost immediately, the need to expel gas again.  It's very frustrating.

I also find, at times, that I can be eating a meal (it's usually when I'm eating out) and I can sense the build-up of gas occuring even before I finish my dinner.  It's very awkward and uncomfortable as I have to wait until I find some privacy to relieve the gas.

I was troubled my great amounts of gas earlier this week.  Today, Thursday, it appears to be much less.  When I am in the throes of a bout, I can wake-up and have to pass gas almost immediately.  Again, it's very pungent and embarassing.

I have tried all the things I know to reduce my problem.  I eat slowly, avoid gas-producing foods, have taken charcoal capsules from a health food store, and tried Bean-o.  I don't believe myself to be lactose intolerant, as dairy does not seem to trigger any problems specifically.

Following the above-mentioned bout in Florida, over a year ago, I noticed that after I returned home, before the holidays, I was also troubled by what I would compare to a muscle spasm around my rectum/anus.  It was sore (during sitting, bowel moving, etc.) and I could feel tiny contractions at times.  I tried warm water soaks (helped somewhat) and even Tucks pads...thinking maybe it was hemmoroids (hemorrhoids).  Eventually  this passed.  I have had this problem once again...maybe six or eight months ago.  Again, it passed.

There is no history of bowel problems or colo-rectal cancer in my family.  I am otherwise in good health.  My weight is normal and I eat healthy foods.  I've tried to increase my fiber and grain intake, as I read an article touting their benefits at staving off colon cancer.

I have also called--when I have been in the throes of two gas bouts--the nurse practitioner whom I see for my minor health care needs; she is a staffer at a medical practice of doctors affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.  She has not expressed any great concern about the issue and made some diet modification suggestions and sent me an article on flatulence--telling me, basically, that this can be normal.  She noted that if I was terribly concerned, I could come in for an exam.  Of course, she asked about family medical history, and since I have none related to colo-rectal cancer, she didn't feel any need to react with urgency.

Since my problems are not chronic (however they are uncomfortable, embarassing, and annoying enough when they happen to get me to post this message), I don't know if I should press for more answers.  I don't want to submit myself to a battery of uncomfortable tests only to find there is no real problem.

Your advice on what I might consider doing would be appreciated.  My 35th birthday is upcoming in a few weeks, and I am thinking of making an appointment for a general physical...as a gift to myself.  Should I press on the issue of the gas?

Thank you so much for you time and consideration.  This is a disturbing problem, and I am fearful of it being a symptom of something awful.

[HFHSm.D.-Gastro-rf]

DEar Phil,
Everyone likes a present and you should visit the doctor for a general chackup.  Your symprtoms are actually quite common.  It is a ppropriate to express concerns about colon cancer but most people with your complaints do not have cancer.  However, simple tests will be able to provide you with piece of mind.  If you travel, the possibility of an infection e.g. Giardia should be considered and checked.  IF a compete evaluationn is negative, irritable bowel should be considered.

[workoutwom]

Tell me about it!!! I wish that there was a cure for gas pain and bloat. I suffer with the same symptoms...need to expel gas, gas "stuck" in my upper abdomen where I cannot move or zipper my pants and I might add that it is extremely painful. Sometimes I wish I could put a pin in my stomach and expel the gas to PSE&G because I would make a fortune. Along with this, I suffer from constipation. I have tried everything from phazyme to a shrink. I have had all the medical tests which are normal.
My average day goes like this...get dressed...2 hrs later comes the bloat and need to expel...followed by the inability to expel and then the extreme bloat from upper to lower abdomen which may or may not be expelled. I have a whole wardrobe of pants I cannot wear because I know they will create gas...
HELP!! Isn't there a pill?

[kim]

When someone...some medical miracle worker figures out a solution, I will buy stock :)  I get terrible gas, upper and lower...weird intense burping and all the other stuff you both were talking about.  Is this what happens near 40?  It is darned near debilitating sometimes!!

[sandra stephens]

I can relate to the severe gas pain, however my pain comes on at the end of my period. I get bloated and i pass a lot of gas however i am in a lot of pain and have to be absent from work. My feaces contain mucous during this period and i have sleepless nights.After my period i still have a lot of gas but it does not cause bloating neither pain. Gasx has given me some relief from the bloating but i still have the gas. Please help. I will go insane if i have to have to go through this abnormality next period.

[joan]

I had my gal bladder removed last week
and I'm starting to have pains on my
right side.What can be causing the pain.

[joan]

I had my gal bladder removed last week
and I'm starting to have pains on my
right side.What can be causing the pain.

[devorakingery]

I have had diarrhea for 5days usually after meals, until last night, and i am eating a liquid diet. I have alot of gas that I am able to expel, alot of belching. For about 2 monthes I have intermittant right rib pain to touch I am 42 yrs old, alittle overweight moderatley active. I had about decided this was all a bacterial infection until 2days ago, I now have a very distended abdomen type feeling, and pelvic pain. Intercourse is almost unbearable. What do you recommend?. I have been in nursing 18 years, and know a little, prob enough to get me in trouble. I have no medical insurance at present and hate to start with trial and error testing Thank you

[jd]

I have had severe belching for over 12 years, but the attacks are constant and moved into upper back. Could this be the heart?
I am scheduled for an upper GI and an ultrasound, but not for two weeks. I can hardly eat anything without an attack.

[Lee]

To JD:  It sounds to me like you could be having gallbladder trouble.  The ultrasound may tell you what you need to know.

[Lee]

I had my gallbladder removed 3 months ago.  As is expected after gallbladder removal, I have intermittent diarrhea.  Believe me, after the severe pain of numerous gallbladder episodes, the diarrhea is worth it!

But there are other effects that I wish I could minimize. Can anyone suggest anything that may help?  Over-the-counter stuff?  Dietary suggestions?

Pregnancy brought on my gallbladder problem.  Prior to the gallbladder removal, I was able to eat ANYTHING and never had any ill effects.

But now I have frequent, smelly gas and very smelly bowel movements, even when I don't have diarrhea.  My poor husband & kids...and co-workers, although I hope they haven't noticed!

Lee

[vicki]

Thought I had a stomach bug or a touch of food poisoning.  It's been two weeks or more that I have had excess gas and stools have been containing mucous (sometimes almost entirely mucous).  Pepto and Gas X seems to relieve the symptoms, but as soon as I begin to feel better and stop taking them it returns.  I have no history of colo-rectal problems and this has just come out of nowhere.  I have no other symptoms. There is no bloating, soreness or lumps to indicate a blockage.  What is happening?  How long should I wait this out?

[beverly]

I have had seven attacks of Pancreatitis in six years requiring  hospitalization. My Gastroenterologist is recommending gall blader removal. However there is no guarantee that this will solve the problem.I would appreciate any input.

[Ellen]

Dear Phil

I am on the Net (again) because I am really concerned about a problem or rather problems I am having with my digestive system. Many of the symptons you have described I am presenting - when I went to the Dr's she said I was depressed.
For the past six months I have been worrying myself silly wondering what has caused this change - I have no history of any digestive disorders and often would joke I had a stomach like cast iron.

I would be really interested to hear if you have had a diagnosis or if there has been any developments in your condition.

Many thanks

[Dave B.]

I have been dealing with a great amount of gas, especially in the late afternoon or evening hours!  I was just admitted to ER because of extreme pain on my left side next to my sternum.  It wasn't my heart, so I have to have an Upper GI tomorrow.  Both of these combined makes my life very unbearable at times.  It is a social disgrace to releave yourself, but I can double over because of holding-back the urge.  Any ideas to rid myself of this gas would be greatly appreciated!

[Ann]

does anyone know how to tell if it's gas or a ulcer?  I have
had left sided pain under the rib also. I have been to 4 drs.
Colon test/ok.  So far no answers.

[Marie Deets]

I suffer from excessive gas on a daily basis.  it begins at the beginning of my day, especially worse after breakfast.  this is also followed by watery, mucusy bowel movements. the gas is very sulphuric in smell and is very embarressing.  These symptoms usually continue throughout the day.  i was diagnosed with parasites, and was given antibiotics.  These symptoms returned shortly after.

[nancy]

For flatus and gas I used Charco Caps, activated charcoal,internal detoxifier. Helps  to reduce the oder and  gas.

[jan]

IBS - i don't know if you have it there, but there's a product called Mintec which essentially is peppermint oil.  It is used to reduce the amount of gas, bloating etc.. most symptoms of IBS.

It is 100% peppermint oil in a capsule.  Peppermint oil is meant to 'relax' the spasms you have in your intestine and thus reduce the amount of 'air' trapped.

I'm not a 'greenie' or naturalist, but I do find it helps me at times.  Give it a go, what have you to lose?

[Rupert]

i here you i have unbarable lower abdominal pai and a lot of gas.  done colon tests reviealed nothing I am also G E R D suffer and have had surgury to correct acid reflux that had led to nearly 50 ulcers that could have easly turned into cancer says the doc in my esophagus.  but now have alot of gas upper and  lower with dieareea and constipation with a burning sensation.  I am olny 23  and still am suffering daily and taking alot of meds.

[Phil C]

Reply for Ellen:

Saw your reply to my original post.  I had my physical last week, and I told the doctor about my symptoms.  She did not seem to be overly concerned and said that IBS and related problems can be very hard to diagnose and treat.  We talked about diet and modifications to see if these can help pinpoint an irritating food.

In taking my family medical history, I noted that the women on my mother's side of the family have breast cancer problems.  The doctor commented that can be a correlation between breast cancer and colon cancer in one's family.  She did not think that my symptoms were indicative of any cancer problem, but we are doing an smear test for occult fecal blood.  I'm waiting to hear the results and hope that they are good.

[AMT ([e-mail])]

TO: DEVORAKINGERY, MESSAGE POSTED 2/8/00

Without any medical educational background, I wouldn't adequately advise you what to do.  But, if these symptoms you've described are persisting beyond a week, you really must see an MD.  I've been without health insurance periodically, too.  The yellow pages (phone book) should provide a few medical/MD referral numbers.  These people are generally very good about recommending a physician who suits your predicament and financial status.  Many hospitals/private physicians accept a monthly payment schedule (like a layaway). There should also be a 24-hr phone number(s)where nurses can preliminarily diagnose the condition.

Also, search many websites.  Although you probably don't have cancer, several cancer websites do go into detail about preliminary symptoms and they have links to hospital/association websites.

Switching between diets/eating habits might eracibate your condition.  

Just from description, what I've read, and a few gastrointestinal exams (an excessive belching condition last six months) you should request a gastroenterologist appointment and possibly a gynecological one as well (pelvic discomfort and painful intercourse).

Hope you feel relief soon!!  

[AMT]

TO: SANDRA STEPHENS

Three times in the past 2 years I've had bizarre symptoms following an unusually painful menses (period) and a stress related job assignment (excessive belching, abdominal discomfort, occasional constipation).  Currently I've had belching on a daily basis since September '99.  Request 2 ultrasounds:a pelvic and a uterine. Speak with a gynecologist, if possible. Also your general practitioner/family MD should diagnose a blood sample and stool samples first. After the diagnosis he/she may schedule an endoscopy or a colon exam.

Research these symptoms on medical websites and medical books. It helps to be informed before visiting the MD; you'll be better equipped to ask questions and suggest possible causes.

If you'd like to talk, my email is ***@**** (Anne-Marie)

P.S. I'm a 42yo female who has been in relatively good health much of my life.

[patrick]

what foods should i avoid after me recent gallbladder removal and why?

[Anna]

To Marie and Joanne

Don't give up. There is hope.  I will not let me GI Dr. dismiss my intestinal gas problem  and he helped me control it ...not cure it.  My flatulence is a direct result of post childbirth hemroidectomy.  There is a doctor in NY Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center who came on national TV and said that he had discovered a new detection/reason why some people have so much intestinal gas and he briefly said that it could be caused by trauma to the intestines. Now, I've tried to speak to this man and he will not accept phone calls unless you are his patient.  He accepts no insurance and charges $750 for a CONSULTATION!!! That was in 1999!!!!  His name is Dr. Jonathan Lapook.  I am going to see if my GI doctor can research his ideas and maybe look into his clinical trials or something.   Anyway girls good luck.  By the way I am 37 and have youth on my side however as I age into my 40's or 50's I think that there may be trouble ahead and the gas is a pre-warning so I will not stop searching. Feel free to write back.  My savior was:  Rx  HYOSCIAMINE. BYE BYE!

[gert]

I had my gal bladder removed a few months ago
   and I'm starting to have pains on my
    right side.What can be causing the pain.

I see that someone else has posted the same question, but I see no comment or response.

Should I be worried and see a doctor, the pain started yesterday and is not severe at all.

[Rex]

I have read a lot of the letters on this page, and boy can I relate to a lot of you people. I am a mid 30's male and can tell you that I also suffer a lot of the same symptoms as most of you and a few other ones. I have seen several Dr.'s who tell me a different story and perscribe a different drug. I was told that I have IBS and a spastic colon. Because of the IBS I am a vertual prisoner of the bathroom. This problem has really taken over my life, because I have to be near a bathroom at all times. At first I could usually tell when the symptoms were going to occur, but for the last few monts I can't tell when it's going to happen and I end up having accidents which are very embarassing. I also suffer with very bad stomach pains but the Dr.'s can't seem to find anything other than the IBS, I believe that there is something else wrong but they say not. I was taking Prevacid and it really worked for a while but then it stopped working. I also read a report that said if you were on Prevacid for any length of time that it can cause problems with the Liver, so if any body is taking it or has been on it for any amount of time check with your Dr. about it. They tend to not tell you those things. I certainly hope that there is hope for a cure for this on going problem. It's also nice to see that I am not alone with this problem.

[Rex]

I have read a lot of the letters on this page, and boy can I relate to a lot of you people. I am a mid 30's male and can tell you that I also suffer a lot of the same symptoms as most of you and a few other ones. I have seen several Dr.'s who tell me a different story and perscribe a different drug. I was told that I have IBS and a spastic colon. Because of the IBS I am a vertual prisoner of the bathroom. This problem has really taken over my life, because I have to be near a bathroom at all times. At first I could usually tell when the symptoms were going to occur, but for the last few monts I can't tell when it's going to happen and I end up having accidents which are very embarassing. I also suffer with very bad stomach pains but the Dr.'s can't seem to find anything other than the IBS, I believe that there is something else wrong but they say not. I was taking Prevacid and it really worked for a while but then it stopped working. I also read a report that said if you were on Prevacid for any length of time that it can cause problems with the Liver, so if any body is taking it or has been on it for any amount of time check with your Dr. about it. They tend to not tell you those things. I certainly hope that there is hope for a cure for this on going problem. It's also nice to see that I am not alone with this problem.

[Amy]

I am so glad I am not the only one with this problem!! I too have had a gas problem that has controlled me everyday for one and a half months now. I have also lately been real nausiated,light-headed, and my stool has been a deep green color either solid, diarrhea. I do feel bloated all the time and I have somehow gained weight in a short amount of time. (boy I wish this problem would cause you to lose weight!!) My diet has not changed much eventough I could stand to eat better. I have been trying to exercise more due to the weight gain. But is there any hope for the excessive gas and nausia???Should I be worried and see a Dr. or is it something that will just pass??(hahaha no pun intended!!!)
Any help will would be great.
I thank you and so does my husband!!
Amy