Bloating, Burping, and Flatulence: A Gastrointestinal Perspective

Q: Bloating, Burping, and Flatulence: A Gastrointestinal Perspective

Hello： Indeed, gastroesophageal reflux can cause a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, or persistent throat clearing. <br>In severe cases, it can even lead to bronchitis or asthma. <br>Changhua Hospital cares about your health. <br>Dr. <br>Tsai An-shun.

Belching and flatulence?

Hello Doctor, last April I experienced abdominal bloating and sharp pain in my right abdomen, along with harder stools.
The liver transplant doctor suggested that it might be due to the surgery, causing my intestines to be less functional, leading to the abdominal pain.
I had a colonoscopy in June, which was normal.
Then in September, I suddenly had diarrhea, followed by bloating and sharp pain in my right abdomen again.
After a week, I also experienced excessive gas and belching.
I consulted a doctor who prescribed gastrointestinal motility medication, which alleviated the diarrhea and right abdominal pain.

Starting in October, I began to feel discomfort in my stomach—not pain, but a sense of unease.
In November, I had an upper endoscopy, and the doctor diagnosed me with gastritis.
However, I have been experiencing excessive belching and flatulence daily since September, which has lasted over six months.
Occasionally, my abdomen feels bloated, but my bowel movements are generally normal.
I often burp immediately after swallowing food, sometimes multiple times in a row, and even drinking water can trigger belching.
For example, during dinner today, which consisted of a bowl of noodles and water, I burped nearly ten times.
Since September, I have been taking Gas-X, and while the discomfort in my stomach has decreased significantly since starting the new medication in mid-March, I have developed a new pattern of belching every few seconds.
Flatulence and belching continue to be persistent issues.
On March 29, my doctor performed an ultrasound and noted that my stomach appeared bloated.
I really want to understand what my problem is, as I have been experiencing daily belching and flatulence for six months.
Additionally, whenever I massage my stomach towards my intestines, I inevitably pass gas.
For several years, I have also experienced intermittent tightness in my airways.
Could this be related to my gastrointestinal issues? A pulmonologist mentioned that I have reduced lung capacity and mild asthma.
I often wake up in the morning with tightness in my airways and phlegm in my throat.
An ENT specialist diagnosed me with post-nasal drip, and I sometimes sleep with my mouth open.
The ENT also mentioned that I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Is this diagnosis accurate?

Wenwen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/03

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: Indeed, gastroesophageal reflux can cause a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, or persistent throat clearing.
In severe cases, it can even lead to bronchitis or asthma.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2018/04/03

More Info

Bloating, burping, and flatulence are common gastrointestinal symptoms that can arise from various underlying issues. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing a combination of these symptoms for an extended period, which can be quite distressing. Let's break down these symptoms and their potential causes from a gastrointestinal perspective.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Bloating: This is often caused by the accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. It can result from dietary choices, such as consuming high-fiber foods, carbonated beverages, or foods that are difficult to digest. In your case, the bloating seems to be persistent and has been accompanied by discomfort in the stomach area.

2. Burping (Eructation): Frequent burping can occur when air is swallowed while eating or drinking. It can also be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. You mentioned that you experience burping soon after swallowing food or water, which could indicate that you are swallowing air, possibly due to rapid eating or drinking.

3. Flatulence: This refers to the release of gas from the digestive system through the rectum. It can be influenced by the types of food consumed, particularly those high in fiber or certain carbohydrates that are fermented in the gut. The presence of gas can also be exacerbated by gastrointestinal motility issues, which may be related to your previous surgery.

Possible Underlying Causes
Given your history of gastrointestinal issues, including a previous surgery and the recent findings of gastritis, several factors could be contributing to your symptoms:
- Post-Surgical Changes: After abdominal surgery, the intestines may take time to return to normal function. This can lead to altered motility, causing symptoms like bloating and discomfort.

- Gastritis: The inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to discomfort and may also affect how food is digested, potentially leading to increased gas production.

- Dietary Factors: Certain foods can contribute to gas and bloating. Keeping a food diary may help identify any specific triggers.

- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This functional gastrointestinal disorder can cause bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. It is often associated with stress and dietary factors.

- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): As you mentioned, you have been diagnosed with GERD, which can cause symptoms like burping and discomfort in the chest or upper abdomen.

Recommendations
1. Dietary Modifications: Consider reducing the intake of carbonated beverages, high-fiber foods, and foods known to cause gas (such as beans, lentils, and certain vegetables). Eating smaller, more frequent meals may also help.

2. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day, but try to avoid drinking large amounts during meals to minimize air swallowing.

3. Medication Review: Since you are taking medications like Omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor), discuss with your doctor whether this is appropriate for your ongoing symptoms, especially considering your concerns about calcium absorption and potential side effects.

4. Follow-Up with Specialists: Given the complexity of your symptoms and the involvement of multiple systems (gastrointestinal and respiratory), it may be beneficial to have a coordinated approach with both a gastroenterologist and a pulmonologist. They can help determine if there is any overlap between your gastrointestinal symptoms and respiratory issues.

5. Consider Testing: If symptoms persist, further testing such as a gastric emptying study or a 24-hour pH monitoring test may be warranted to assess for motility issues or reflux severity.

Conclusion
Your symptoms of bloating, burping, and flatulence are likely multifactorial and may be related to previous surgical changes, gastritis, dietary habits, and possibly GERD. It is essential to work closely with your healthcare providers to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Keeping a detailed record of your symptoms, dietary intake, and any other relevant factors can be helpful in managing your condition effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Bloating, Belching, and Rib Pain: A Teen's Health Journey

Hello, doctor. I am currently a sophomore in high school. Since starting high school, my body has experienced many issues that were not common before. The story begins in May 2020, during the second midterm exams. I suddenly started feeling bloated and often burping, with occasio...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Do not eat late-night snacks before bed, avoid eating too quickly, and do not bend over, lie face down, or lie flat after eating. Try to consume easily digestible foods, and you may consider taking probiotics, which could help improve your condition. If there is still no i...

Persistent Hiccups and Bloating: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues

Hello Dr. Lin: Yesterday morning, I experienced some discomfort in my upper abdomen and severe bloating. I consulted a Western medicine doctor, but today I have been passing gas continuously, and the flatulence is quite noticeable. I also feel like there is something stuck in my ...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, bloating, belching, and flatulence are common gastrointestinal issues. Most of these are caused by gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is recommended to avoid foods and beverages that are likely to produce gas, as well as those that are irritating, fried, or spicy (such as ca...

Understanding Persistent Hiccups and Bloating: A Gastrointestinal Concern

Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been reversing my day-night cycle for exam preparation, sleeping in the morning and studying at night. I have previously lost weight and then regained it. My past weight loss method involved exercising and skipping dinner. Last year, I starte...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist, as you may need an endoscopy to check for ulcers or esophagitis. Additionally, pay attention to your diet; avoid eating too quickly or too much, and reduce the intake of irritating foods. There is no need to apply pressure...

Understanding Bloating and Frequent Hiccups: Digestive Health Insights

The patient reports experiencing frequent bloating over the past month, with a sensation of fullness after eating or drinking. They also experience persistent belching and feel that their digestion has slowed down significantly, leading to a decreased appetite.

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Bloating can lead to frequent burping, and if digestion slows down with a loss of appetite lasting for a month, it is advisable to start with dietary control. Avoid greasy foods, eat slowly, and do not consume large amounts of liquids at once. If gastrointestinal motility continu...