Should I be worried about bloating that's lasted for 5-6 week?

[Lah1234]

I've been having abdominal distention/bloating for the past 5-6 weeks. I get a bit of discomfort that feels like 'period' aches or shooting pain on my left side which lasts only for a few minutes so I don't feel like its bad enough for tablets due to the short period it lasts for. I've been to see the doctor and they have put me on lansoprazole temporarily to see if this makes any changes but I've been on these for 2-3 weeks and still no difference. The bloating is fairly constant and I feel like my stomach hasn't been completely flat since it started but it is particularly bad after eating (no matter the size portion) to the point where I feel and look pregnant and I can't wear my jeans. I've also been having headaches more frequently which I'm not usually prone to but I don't know if this is related or not. I haven't been experiencing anything particularly out of the ordinary but my bowel movements have been slightly irregular but I'm still going more or less as normal which is similar to the gas I've been experiencing which comes and goes from week to week. At times I've been experiencing urgency to pee but this is only periodically and doesn't affect me all the time. I'm just not feeling myself with this issue and its getting in the way of everyday things like dressing differently and more comfortably. I also hear water sloshing in my stomach as if I'm moving in a bath tub, I've had this for many years but have always wondered why and what it was. Do you know what might be the problem? Is there any need to be worried?

[SassyLassie]

Hello~The water sloshing in the tummy is normal, I have had it and so have other members of my family, I don't think that part is an area of concern.

As to the bloat and larger tummy, you may not be digesting your food properly or you may have food allergies. I would see either an allergist to be tested for food allergies or a gastroenterologist. Also, as the other poster's have suggested,start taking a good, high potency pro-biotic.

I would also try cutting out all wheat, sugar and gluten products as these foods can cause the issues you are having as well.

I hope you feel better soon.

[Masongap]

You need to see a specialist gastroenterologist. Most general practictioner will assume you have GERD and prescribe you acid blockers. This may or may not be what you need.

[Lah1234]

Initially I got told I had IBS then they decided to prescribe ant acids so I feel like they haven't explored all the options also no tests have been done yet. I think I will go back and ask to see a specialist. Thanks for the advice

[Red_Star]

I have bloating after eating due to low stomach acid. I also have water sloshing in my stomach too. Might be due to low stomach acid as well.

Excerpt from Gallbladder Attack - Chronic Heartburn...

"Signs of Deficient Stomach Acid

Gas, bloating and burping shortly after a meal could be lack of HCl
Constipation
Diarrhea
Feeling of fullness or food not digesting
Heartburn and/or gastric reflux (sometimes too much HCl but most often not enough)
Bad breath
Foul smelling stools
Loose stools in the early morning
Food allergies
Dialated blood vessels on the cheeks and nose - Rosacea
Pernicious anemia or iron deficiency
Anal Itching
Nausea especially after taking vitamins and minerals
Weak or cracked nails
Parasites - or at least increased susceptibility to parasitic infections
Chronic yeast infections
Acne in adults - especially if you have other symptoms from the list
Asthma

Since low levels of stomach acid results in poor absorption of nutrients, many symptoms that accompany a deficiency of that vitamin or mineral makes this list much longer. The nutrients most affected are calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamin K and many B vitamins. See pernicious anemia.

If you're nervous about trying supplemental hydrochloric acid, you can do a trial with 1-2 TBSP of organic apple cider vinegar mixed with 1/8 to 1/4 cup of water after a meal. If it makes you feel better and does not hurt, you most likely would benefit from taking 500 - 1000 mg. of Betaine HCl with your meals. Or you can also take a dropperful of Herbal Digestive Bitters (aka Gallbladder Bitters) with your meals which stimulates digestive juices including both HCl and bile. To curb sugar cravings, take bitters after your meal as well."

[Lah1234]

Thanks for your reply, my GP put me on lansoprazole to reduce stomach acid so should I be on these still? I also suffers periodically from acid reflux which I take omeprazole to treat it when it flares up.

[Red_Star]

My mother was given acid blockers for 6 years which caused serious health problems. She now takes digestive enzyme supplements and betaine HCL with pepsin and no longer suffers from GERD/LPR. Low acid is very common. Causes include anything from stress to h pylori bacteria to aging.

[Masongap]

Are you drinking coffee/tea regularly? Cut them out for a week and see if you notice improvement.

Purchase some good probiotics. I would look on Amazon and buy something reputable, preferably over $10, do your research.

I would also suggest some digestive Enzymes. "NOW" is a good brand. This would provide some immediate relief.

If none of the above work for you I would suggest you see a specialist for diagnosis.

[Lah1234]

Thanks for the reply, I've been trying to eat less wheat and drink less tea and coffee (milk) without cutting them from my diet completely so I wouldn't say I drink too much at the moment.
I'll look into the probiotics and see how it goes and maybe get another appointment with my GP if no success.