Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
extensive gas explosion
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
extensive gas explosion
by alinna1, Jun 10, 2004 12:00AM
My husband (62 years old) is told that he is in a very good health. He has only one problem and no doctor ever could give him any suggestions of the reason and/or treatment for this condition. This condition started a couple of years ago. Almost each day he has extensive gas explosions. He burps frequently without stopping. We tried to avoid some food – nothing changes. This continues for a long, long time constantly. Most of the time it occurs during the night or in the early morning, but sometimes it occurs even during the day, that causes him a big discomfort. Nowadays, he has difficulties to sleep and each time he changes the position in bed (turns on one side or another) the attack increases. One loud belch follows the another right away for a long time. Otherwise, he doesn’t have any pain. His stool and bowel movement is regular and without any discomfort. Do you have any suggestions of what it could be. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 11, 2004 12:00AM
, Jun 11, 2004 12:00AM
There are several possibilities. Any type of colonic infection, irritable bowel syndrome, or malabsorption can cause increased gas. There are a variety of tests to consider to evaluate the source. They can be discussed with your personal physician:
* Examination of stool to detect the presence of blood, abnormally increased levels of fat (steatorrhea), or the presence of Giardia lamblia.
* A lactose tolerance test, during which patients are provided with a test dose of lactose by mouth. After receiving the test dose, those with lactose intolerance may soon develop abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and excessive flatulence. Breath or blood samples are obtained during the test to confirm the presence of lactose intolerance.
* X-ray examination of the small intestine.
* Upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy (in which the inside of the stomach, upper intestines or colon are examined via a tube with a camera at the end).
* Antibody tests for celiac disease.
A GI referral can be considered for further evaluation.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Bibliography:
Goldfinger. Patient information: Gas and bloating. UptoDate, 2004.
* Examination of stool to detect the presence of blood, abnormally increased levels of fat (steatorrhea), or the presence of Giardia lamblia.
* A lactose tolerance test, during which patients are provided with a test dose of lactose by mouth. After receiving the test dose, those with lactose intolerance may soon develop abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and excessive flatulence. Breath or blood samples are obtained during the test to confirm the presence of lactose intolerance.
* X-ray examination of the small intestine.
* Upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy (in which the inside of the stomach, upper intestines or colon are examined via a tube with a camera at the end).
* Antibody tests for celiac disease.
A GI referral can be considered for further evaluation.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Bibliography:
Goldfinger. Patient information: Gas and bloating. UptoDate, 2004.
