Extreme Bloating After Eating or Drinking

Dear Ask The Doctor: At any time of day or night no matter what i eat or drink from steak to salad or water to juice my stomach starts bloating it feels like it wants to burst. No matter what i take for this bloating it doesent help,I walk till its gone about a hour .Thank You. DEE DEE A.

Dear Dee Dee: There are many causes of bloating. It may be due to an accumulation of fluid, or due to excess gas in the intestine. Gas and bloating is a sign that food is not being ingested correctly by the body. Inadequate intake of fibre and water will cause a person to experience bloating and constipation. Diet carbonated drinks may contribute to excess gas and bloating. Dairy products may also contribute to excessive cramps, gas, and bloating. Bloating may be a symptom of a food allergy or irritable bowel syndrome. Drugs including the oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy may cause water retention, which could contribute to the problem. It could be helpful to note in a diary your symptoms to establish a relationship with the food ingested, and the presence of any associated symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation etc. If your symptoms do not improve with dietary modification, I recommend attending your family doctor for a detailed history and physical examination.