Is Bloating a Cause for Concern?

We’ve all had that bloated, uncomfortable “full belly” feeling at some point. Most of the time, it’s perfectly normal and no cause for concern. On rare occasions, it could be an indication of a more serious problem.  Unless your bloating is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and weight loss, it’s probably nothing to worry about. Most of the time, diet and other simple reasons such as eating a big meal or too much salt can explain the bloating you’re experiencing.  Let’s discuss some common causes of bloating, and when bloating can be a cause for concern.

Common Causes of Bloating

The following are some common reasons why you might feel bloated. In most instances, these causes of bloating can be reduced or eliminated by practical diet and lifestyle changes.

–       Healthy eating.  Believe it or not, healthy foods are the reason for a bloated stomach. Whole veggies such as cabbage, brussel sprouts, and carrots; and legumes such as beans, can cause extra air to get trapped in your belly, giving you that uncomfortable and bloated feeling. Foods high in fiber and lactose can also cause bloating since they release hydrogen and methane, which are bloating gases. Certain fruits like apples, pears, and watermelon can also cause bloating because of the high ratio of fructose to glucose.

–       Consuming diet products. Sugar substitutes (otherwise known as sugar alcohols) found in many diet foods, such as sorbitol and xylitol) can cause you to feel bloated and uncomfortable.  Ingesting too much of these or any artificial substances can cause bloating.

–       Fizzy drinks.  Bubbly drinks like soda, champagne, or seltzer can do a number on your stomach because of the carbonation. When you ingest these drinks, the bubbles expand in your gut, which leads to that bloated feeling. This is also true of popular probiotic, naturally fermented drinks like kombucha, which can cause gas, bloating and loose stools.

–       Constipation.  We’ve all experienced that terrible feeling of not being able to go to the bathroom. When you get backed up, it is usually accompanied by gas. The gas in your belly can leave your feeling bloated and heavy.

–       Stress.  When you’re stressed out, your body experiences physical symptoms that can have an effect on your GI tract and lead to bloating.  For example, heavy breathing makes you swallow more air than normal, which leave you feeling bloated. When your heart races, your body diverts blood away from the GI tract, which then slows down your digestion.

–       Lack of exercise.  It may be difficult to think about exercising when you’re feeling bloated. However, exercise is a great way to prevent or overcome bloating. If you find yourself bloated, it may mean you’re not getting enough exercise. When you do physical activity, it stimulates the muscles of the digestive tract which, in turn, helps the food and air bubbles pass through your GI tract more easily.

–       Recovery from a stomach bug.  Many people experience bloating after having a stomach virus or bug. This’s because of the bacterial overgrowth that occurred in the small intestine as a result of the infection.

When Bloating Is a Sign of Something More Serious

Each of the previous reasons for bloating can be overcome through diet, exercise, and mindful living. Although not as common, bloating may be an indication of a more serious condition that requires medical attention.  The following are three conditions and what to look for.

–       Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that causes a change in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or both.  These changes can cause stomach pain.  If you are diagnosed with IBS, you’re not alone – according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, 10-15 percent of Americans have IBS. If you notice these symptoms or think you have IBS, see your doctor.

–       Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can cause bloating. It is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and/or fever. If you experience a combination of these symptoms, visit your doctor to get tested for Crohn’s disease.

–       Cancer.  Don’t panic! Most of the time bloating is a result of something very treatable. However, in rare cases, it can be a sign of a more serious illness such as cancer. If your bloating is combined with symptoms such as blood in the stool and weight loss, you may want to see your doctor who can check you for pancreatic or stomach cancer (or ovarian cancer in women).

Don’t let bloating ruin your life. Let the gastro experts at Austin Gastroenterology help you get to the bottom of your bloating issues. We serve patients at 18 offices throughout the greater Austin area. You can make an appointment using our online form or call the number associated with the office you’d like to visit.

Bloated Stomach and Other Symptoms of Norovirus

There is a sinister bug that gets its kicks during the winter months. Sometimes referred to as the “winter vomiting bug,” norovirus can strike at any time of year but we always see an uptick of cases in the winter months. The norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis around the world. It spreads easily from person to person, from consuming contaminated food or drink, or through contact with a contaminated surface. The symptoms can take hold within 12 to 48 hours after exposure, so staying vigilant is critical as we start heading into colder months. 

Norovirus Symptoms

Noroviruses thrive in close quarters, like restaurants, day-cares, and nursing homes, and can survive extreme temperatures. This is one of the reasons it flourishes in the winter because we are all typically packed together to avoid the cold or reuniting in groups for the holidays. The virus works so quickly that you can go from feeling just fine one moment to suffering symptoms in the next. Look for these warning signs: 

• Lethargy 
• Weakness 
• Muscle aches 
• Headaches
• Loss of taste
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain 
• Bloated stomach
• Low-grade fever

While most of these symptoms are not lethal, symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting can deplete your body of vital fluids that keep it functioning normally. Dehydration can be a symptom of your symptoms, so it is important to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes. Since norovirus’s shelf life is typically one to three days, you should see your doctor if symptoms continue afterwards and if your vomit is green or yellow, as this could be a sign of a bowel obstruction. 

Treatment and Prevention for Norovirus

Unfortunately, like other viruses, noroviruses do not respond to antibiotics, which are designed to kill bacteria. There are no antiviral drugs that can treat the norovirus. Standard treatment of norovirus includes plenty of rest, hydration, and isolation from others so you do not spread the sickness. After three days, your symptoms should start dropping off, but remember to see a doctor if they persist. 

In the meantime, you can—and should—practice these basic preventatives to shield you and others:

• Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing a baby’s diaper, or before preparing or eating food 
• Carefully throw away any contaminated items, like dirty diapers
• Wash all produce thoroughly
• Cook oysters or any shellfish before consuming
• Keep surfaces clean and disinfected.
• Make sure you clean any surfaces with a mixture of detergent and chlorine bleach after someone has been sick
• Do not prepare food for at least two to three days after you are feeling better to prevent spreading the virus
• Avoid any food that has been prepared by someone who was sick

‘Tis the Season

Practicing basic prevention and good hygiene can protect you and those around you. Stay mindful this holiday season to avoid spreading or catching this short-lived but miserable bug. We all want to see our families after a long year but doing so sick or getting sick in the process will put a damper on those holiday reunions. And remember! “Jingle Bells” is 20 seconds long and gives you something festive to hum while doing your part to prevent germs from spreading. 

If you have norovirus, are exhibiting any of its symptoms, or think you have been exposed to norovirus, call the team at the BASS Medical Group. Our doctors have experience treating norovirus symptoms and can recommend the best treatment for you. Call (925) 350-4044 or visit bassmedicalgroup.com to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors today.

Experts told whether it is possible to distinguish “Omicron” from SARS – Moscow 24, 02/21/2022

February 21, 2022, 18:39 Despite this, some Muscovites, in anticipation of spring, have already taken out demi-season jackets from the wardrobe and changed into sneakers. However, experts warn that it is too early to relax, as respiratory diseases tend to revive during the transition period. In addition, there is still a risk of contracting COVID-19. We find out whether it is possible to distinguish the symptoms of coronavirus from SARS.

ARVI symptoms

Photo: depositphotos/AndrewLozovyi

General practitioner, immunologist Irina Yartseva told Moscow 24 that ARVI includes more than 200 different groups of viruses that have similar symptoms. According to her, among the signs of the disease may be a runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, fever, headache, loose stools, bloating and other ailments.

Infection is transmitted by airborne droplets. Being close to an infected person, depending on the state of the immune system, a person gets sick or not, the doctor explained. At the same time, the flu, which also belongs to SARS, unlike other viruses, can have more serious consequences for the patient in terms of complications, the expert pointed out.

“Patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, with congenital heart disease, especially in case of high temperature, intoxication, are at risk. The influenza virus is cardiotoxic. And it is advisable for this group to be vaccinated,” Yartseva said.

Professor of Virology, Head of the Laboratory of Especially Dangerous Infections of the Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine (FRC FTM) Alexander Chepurnov, in a conversation with Moscow 24, noted that odors can disappear not only with coronavirus, but also with colds. Therefore, it is possible to determine the pathogen only with the help of medical research, he believes.

Odor loss is not an invention of COVID-19. So there will always be doubt. Only differential diagnosis associated with laboratory methods will give confidence what it is.

Alexander Chepurnov

Professor of Virology

The specialist added that ARVI is no less dangerous than COVID-19. According to him, the mortality rate for influenza is 0.01-0.2%, and for coronavirus – 2%.

Symptoms of Omicron

Photo: depositphotos/dmitrytph

Experts have determined that vaccinated patients infected with Omicron experience fatigue, runny nose, cough, headache and muscle pain, sneezing, fever and sore throat. In addition, some have shortness of breath, loss of taste, smell and appetite.

The experts also found that “Omicron” can disrupt the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.

In some cases, hyperesthesia or hypersensitivity occurs with Omicron. This was warned by a neurologist and chiropractor Alexander Evdokimov.

When covid it is bright. “Omicron” multiplies unusually fast. Due to this, apparently, it quickly fills all the fluids and spaces of a person and causes a toxic effect on the nerve endings. However, the temperature is not always high.

Alexander Evdokimov

neurologist and chiropractor

The specialist added that with a new mutation of the coronavirus, pressure jumps are also observed, which increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Is it possible to distinguish “Omicron” from ARVI

Photo: depositphotos/dmitrytph

Tatyana Ruzhentsova, deputy director for clinical work of the Gabrichevsky Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, said that it is possible to accurately identify which virus a person has contracted only with the help of special tests . According to her, “Omicron” and other respiratory viruses have the same symptoms.

Influenza often causes a rapid increase in body temperature, headaches, from the second day – pain or sore throat. But the same symptoms can be caused by Omicron. For seasonal respiratory infections, a runny nose and a slight increase in body temperature are more typical. But the same thing can be observed in some patients with both coronavirus infection and influenza.

Tatyana Ruzhentsova

Deputy Director for Clinical Work of the Research Institute of Epidemiology named after Gabrichevsky Rospotrebnadzor

According to Irina Yartseva, in addition to common symptoms, viruses also have similar methods of treatment.

“Omicron has the same symptoms as SARS, and it is treated in the same way. I do not see the need to distinguish Omicron from another virus, because it is still a mild course of coronavirus. But if these are elderly people and hitherto unvaccinated, then any virus can lead to a permanent decline in immunity,” she said.

Prevention of all infections

Photo: depositphotos/2s

In order not to become infected with any of the viruses during the transition period, experts recommend maintaining a balance of sleep, nutrition and sports, as well as following all anti-covid measures. Alexander Chepurnov reminded that the situation with COVID-19 is most smoothed out by vaccination, wearing masks and frequent hand washing.

Irina Yartseva added that during the transition from winter to spring, the immune system experiences a great load in the form of adaptation, so it is very important to support your own body, first of all, get enough sleep.

We are now experiencing a shortening of the night and an increase in daylight hours, and this is a climate change, which is an adaptive burden for the immune system. Therefore, the task is to adapt to these regimes. It turns out that the more time a person devotes to sleep, the easier it is for him to adapt to changes.

Irina Yartseva

therapist

The doctor also pointed out that it is important to eat a varied diet and not forget about physical activity. In particular, it is desirable that seasonal fruits and vegetables be included in the diet. In addition, it is necessary to drink more fluids and monitor the humidification of the air in the premises, she reminded.

According to the expert, heating causes the air to become very dry, resulting in dryness of the nasal mucosa. “If the nasal mucosa is well hydrated, then the risks of the disease are less,” the therapist emphasized.

Yartseva also noted that vitamin D can be taken to strengthen the immune system during the transition period. However, before starting the course, it is imperative to consult a specialist on this issue, she concluded.

Khalidova Albika

society

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Intestinal flu

According to American doctors, abdominal pain can be caused by an infection, the so-called Norovirus. The stomach virus is spreading from California to the Carolinas during the December-January holidays, making this New Year’s Eve more unpleasant than ever.

The main cause is infectious gastroenteritis, better known as intestinal flu, caused by Norovirus. Cases of the disease occurred every winter, but such a number of cases had not been observed before. San Quentin Federal Penitentiary was closed to new inmates and visitors last week after more than 500 inmates and guards fell ill with the same symptoms – nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headaches and low temperatures. Similar symptoms have been seen in nursing home staff and patients in several states. College sports schools skipped competitions. Hundreds of patients have been seeking help in hospital emergency rooms since mid-December. About 400 people on a Caribbean cruise last month and 700 people on a transatlantic cruise in November had similar symptoms, according to press reports.

Norovirus infection usually appears 2-3 days after infection. Vomiting can be repeated up to 20 times a day. Norovirus is spread through contaminated food or water and causes severe consequences. Half of those infected were infected through food. But this year, the disease is spread by person-to-person contact. It stays on surfaces for several days, such as: children’s toys, keyboards, phones, door handles and buttons, and of course, the most dangerous infectious agent is vomit and stool. The virus is found in the stool for up to 3 weeks after a person has recovered. Therefore, doctors especially insist on thorough hand washing, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food. The virus causes illness all year round, but especially during the colder months, why it has spread so widely this year is unknown.

There are 30-40 virus subtypes. Unlike many bacteria and viruses, Norovirus cannot grow in normal environments and can only be detected through special expensive tests (PCR) taken from stool, vomit and environmental washings. Because most people recover at home without medical care, many cases go undiagnosed. The transferred disease does not protect against subsequent infection. A person develops immunity to the 1st group of the virus, and he becomes infected with another. Some are inherently resistant to Norovirus. To cause illness, the virus binds to receptors in the gut. But there are people who do not have these receptors – therefore, they cannot get sick. There are groups of people getting the virus, spreading it, but not getting sick. Some studies suggest that people with blood type “B” are resistant to infection and disease, but why is a mystery.

Norovirus is very resistant. It survives freezing and heating 140*. There is no vaccine and antibiotics do not work against the virus. The disease develops suddenly, 12-48 hours after contact with the virus. If you are caring for someone who is ill, wear gloves and a mask when you clean up stools, destroy used tissues, and disinfect surfaces using bleach solutions. Be aware that vomiting can release the virus into the air. Wash clothes and bedding in hot water and iron with a hot iron. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. with water and soap. Gels containing alcohol are not effective. Make sure that the patient does not become dehydrated. This can be difficult with vomiting, but even a tablespoon of water every minute may be enough. After recovery, (the virus persists for 3 days), continue to thoroughly wash your hands after going to the toilet and clean surfaces.