Digestive and Bowel Disorders Forum - Bloating , gas , loose stool

Conditions and Diseases > Digestive and Bowel Disorders Forum > Bloating , gas , loose stool

We burp, belch and fart an average of 12 times a day. But why do we have gas? And what is intestinal gas?...the basics here....

Q: Bloating , gas , loose stool

asked by: DoctorQuestion on March 20th, 2009

I have been suffering from these symptoms for quite a while now.
I have a constant feeling of fullness in my lower abdomen, bloating, gas, loose stool usually twice a day. I never have what I remebmer as "normal" stool. It's usually not formed at all. When I have an urge to go, I had better be near a toilet. It's usually "explosive" (sorry to be so gross). No matter how many times I go, I still have a full feeling in the lower abdomen, usually accompanied by a dull ache in my lower back. I have occasional bleeding from the rectum, which I think may be hemmorhoids. This has been going on for a couple of years, first I thought maybe it was the Pepcid, Prevacid etc that I was taking for my GERD. So I started eating better and juicing and got off of the meds. I haven't taken anything for over a year. It didn't clear up, so then I thought maybe it was dairy products. So I got off of dairy. That didn't help. Have done a Chinese Herbal Colon Cleanse - didn't help. Anyone have any ideas?

Replies(4)

Dr. Robert Wascher , MD

replied on March 22nd, 2009

Digestive and Bowel Disorders Answer A6093

Your symptoms may be the result of either food sensitivity (although lactose intolerance, which is one of the most common types of food sensitivity disorders, seems unlikely in your case, as you've already eliminated dairy products) or irritable bowel syndrome. However, it is, of course, impossible to render a specific diagnosis over the Internet.

I would advise that you see a good gastroenterologist for a complete GI work-up, and to rule-out the less-likely possibility of any serious illnesses.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS

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Comments (3)

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