Bloating, Belching, and Changes in Bowel Movements: Causes and Solutions

Bloating, belching, and changes in bowel movements from thick to thin?

I have had constipation issues for a long time (having a bowel movement once or twice a week).
However, after taking probiotics and enzymes for the past few months, I have started to see improvement (having a bowel movement once every one to two days).
At the same time, I have developed issues with bloating and burping since the beginning of this year.
I also pass gas, but it is not as severe as the burping.
About half an hour after meals, I start to burp intermittently, which lasts for three to four hours.
These are not short burps; rather, I experience one or two burps lasting about two seconds every twenty to thirty minutes (sometimes I may burp three to four times in a row).
This is accompanied by symptoms of loose stools.
Although my bowel movement frequency is normal, sometimes my stools are very thin and soft (about the thickness of a pencil).
There have been instances where I had three consecutive days of thin, soft stools, followed by one or two days of normal thickness.
Occasionally, I might have a bowel movement that starts with a normal thickness stool, followed by three or four thin, soft stools, but the color is normal, and there is no blood or mucus in the stools.
Recently, I have noticed that during a single bowel movement, I sometimes have a combination of thick and thin stools, and I also feel bloated.
Last month, I underwent an endoscopy, and the doctor mentioned that aside from some mild inflammation, there were no other abnormalities.
I would like to ask if this condition could potentially be cancer, or if there are other reasons that could cause the bloating and loose stools.
After my endoscopy at the end of last month, I started following the doctor's advice by continuing to take probiotics and exercising after meals (walking for about two hours after dinner).
I also maintain a water intake of about 2000 cc per day.
Although my condition has improved compared to a few months ago, I still experience bloating and loose stools.
I would also like to know how long I should wait before returning to see a doctor if the same symptoms persist without improvement.
Thank you, doctor.

YUU, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/18

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

It is likely not directly related to cancer, but rather due to digestive motility and possibly the effects of taking probiotics.
It is advisable to pay attention to diet (low oil and low dairy) and continue to monitor the situation.

Reply Date: 2022/10/18

More Info

Bloating, belching, and changes in bowel movements can be quite uncomfortable and concerning, especially when they disrupt your daily life. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing a combination of gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, frequent belching, and variations in stool consistency and frequency. Let's explore the potential causes and solutions for these issues.

Causes of Bloating and Belching
1. Dietary Factors: Certain foods can contribute to bloating and excessive gas production. Common culprits include beans, lentils, carbonated beverages, dairy products (if lactose intolerant), and high-fiber foods. Since you mentioned that you have been taking probiotics and enzymes, it’s important to consider whether any new foods introduced into your diet might be causing these symptoms.

2. Swallowing Air: Belching often occurs when you swallow air while eating or drinking. Eating too quickly, talking while eating, or consuming carbonated drinks can increase the amount of air swallowed, leading to bloating and belching.

3. Gastrointestinal Motility Issues: Your history of constipation and recent changes in bowel habits suggest that there may be underlying motility issues in your gastrointestinal tract. The fact that you have experienced both soft and pencil-thin stools could indicate a change in how your intestines are functioning.

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Given your symptoms and the mention of soft stools, it’s possible that you may be experiencing IBS, a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate IBS symptoms, so it’s worth considering your emotional well-being as a contributing factor.

5. Gastritis or Inflammation: You mentioned that a recent endoscopy revealed mild inflammation. Gastritis can lead to symptoms such as bloating, belching, and changes in bowel habits. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s recommendations for managing this condition.

Solutions and Recommendations
1. Dietary Modifications: Keep a food diary to identify any specific foods that may trigger your symptoms. Gradually reintroduce foods to see if any particular item exacerbates bloating or belching. Consider reducing intake of high-FODMAP foods, which can ferment in the gut and cause gas.

2. Eating Habits: Focus on eating slowly and chewing your food thoroughly to minimize air swallowing. Avoid talking while eating and limit carbonated beverages.

3. Probiotics and Enzymes: Continue taking probiotics, as they can help balance gut flora. However, if you notice that certain probiotics worsen your symptoms, consider trying different strains or formulations.

4. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help promote healthy digestion and reduce bloating. Walking after meals, as you have been doing, is a great practice.

5. Hydration: Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for digestive health. Drinking enough water can help prevent constipation and support overall gastrointestinal function.

6. Monitoring Symptoms: If your symptoms persist or worsen despite these changes, it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider. If you experience significant changes in weight, persistent abdominal pain, or any alarming symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

When to Seek Further Medical Attention
If your symptoms do not improve after making these lifestyle changes over a few weeks, or if you experience new symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool, or unintentional weight loss, it is advisable to return to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Additional tests, such as imaging studies or stool tests, may be necessary to rule out other gastrointestinal conditions.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be concerning, they are often manageable with lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments. Keep monitoring your symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible care for your gastrointestinal health.

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