Flatulence

[Molly Kaplan]

Hello,
I'm a sprout of a nineteen year old who has recently been plagued with the most pernicious flatulence of her life. She became vegan in the last six months, but the farting began about three weeks ago. They are silent and painless little bursts of air with the most foul smell. I've able to clear entire rooms.
I first noticed the gas (although this is not necessarily the cause) after eating a fruit kanten (the vegan form of jello made with an agar) for desert 5 days in a row. True, I do eat a considerable amount of beans, but I notice the gas even when I don't eat beans. The bursts of gas can run almost uninterrupted for hours in a day and are killing my social life.
I was curious about a possible cause and very much want to know how to kill the bacteria that are probably causing these releases in a natural way without taking any medication. Would a day of fasting help? A week of no beans?
I should also say that three years ago I had IBS, and although I haven't had a problem with it since, I was wondering if there could a connection.
Thanks so much.

-Molly

[Ellan]

Molly,

I had similar symptoms that came on all of a sudden a year or so ago. I can definitely relate to what you're saying. At the time, I was pregnant so the Dr. put me on Gaviscon. I drank 3 bottles a week but the symptoms were much better. My Dr. said it is most likely acid reflux.  After the baby she put me on Tagamet (prescprition) and within a couple of days my life was back to normal.  Talk to your Dr. about reflux. It doesn't always come with heartburn - mine didn't.

Hope this helps.
Ellan

[shirley]

I am having a gas problem also. I also suffer with a blotted stomach. The gas is is usually very loud and I have no control of the situation.  The gas some times pass through my vagina as well.

[Anonymous]

Molly--I can SO relate to your problem.  I have had the same problem since I was in high school (I am now 24) and am now just getting my flatulence checked out by a gastroenterologist.  It frustrates me to no end that none of the over-the-counter or prescribed medicines have worked on me.  Miralax, Charcocaps, Metamucil, Phayzme, Mylanta, Lotronex, etc., etc., etc.!!!!!!!  But the weird part is that I have at least 4 or 5 bowel movements a day but I'm still gassy in between and have no idea why.  My first doctor thought I was lactose intolerant, but I don't think I am.  Anyway, I'm going on yet another medicine--my doc suggested Pepcid--so hopefully it works.

[walt]

Thank you everyone.  I am in late fifties, and I can really identify with the frustration of trying to deal with gas.  I don't have much of a problem with it during the day, but in the evening and at night, it seems like all I do is pass gas.  I live alone, but would prefer not to.  However, I am afraid to even consider a relationship because of this problem.  Anyway, it is nice to know I am not alone in this problem.

[over_farty]

Yeah i got a problem with excessive gas also. my problems started with stress at work and I was diagnosed as having GERD or reflux disease. After a year of taking Prilosec, the problem seems to be getting worse but moving from reflux to stomach and intestines with painful gas build-up. I had blood test for H.pylori- negative. The doctor has so far been of little help. just dread goning back and goning thru test which im sure would include colonostophy and esophageal examination.

[over_farty]

Yeah i got a problem with excessive gas also. my problems started with stress at work and I was diagnosed as having GERD or reflux disease. After a year of taking Prilosec, the problem seems to be getting worse but moving from reflux to stomach and intestines with painful gas build-up. I had blood test for H.pylori- negative. The doctor has so far been of little help. just dread goning back and goning thru test which im sure would include colonostophy and esophageal examination.