Bloating and Gas?

[Debbiesue63]

Does anyone else have bloating and gas, especially when your breathing is bad? Inhalers only help a little. I’m on 3 of them.

I was originally diagnosed with asthma and told cigarettes did not cause my problem. (I did not really believe this doctor, but got a second opinion where the second doctor had assistant do a breath test and then agreed with asthma. 🤨) I’ve always had dogs, cats, etc. and never had a breathing problem until about 10 years ago (I’m 63 now), and then only upon exertion.

Later, lungs showed signs of emphysema. Now my records indicate asthma, emphysema and COPD.

In the meantime, I’m always bloated and full of gas, sometimes bad stomach pains. Gasterologist did endoscopy and declared gastritis. Gave me pills that do nothing. Then changed it to more pills that do nothing.

Nodules in lungs, nodules in thyroid, nodules in pancreas, etc.

I’m not getting very far with doctors who simply sit in front of a computer, type in symptoms, and pop out a prescription.

I believe my gut problem and exacerbated breathing problem are related (although I do believe I have a slight lung problem, but that it is exacerbated by some other issue). Not at all sure what I actually suffer from.

I made an appointment with a dietician, hoping I might get someone with a curious mind who will actually investigate my symptoms.

Anyone else have gut problems along with breathing issues?

[Fleurbaby]

Hi, yes I have the same thing as you have, my bloating is so bad sometimes, I have to say to people that I have a lot of chronic pain and that I have a lot of gas! It is like heavy cannon fire & the smell can be quite embarrassing. So, you are not alone,!

[Smikra]

I used to have that level of bloating and gas. I have COPD but my bloating was from lactose intolerance. I now use lactose enzymes when I eat any cheese etc. and use lactose free milk. Probiotics also helped with my gas.

[Feelingblessed2013]

Years ago I was diagnosed with IBS, turned out I was lactose intolerant. About 6 1/2 years ago I was told I had severe diverticulitis. Since then I have been told I have emphysema by one pulmonologist, and then I don't have it by another. Turns out I do have emphysema, but until recently I was not classified as having copd. Apparently, emphysema is diagnosed by a lung biopsy, or CT scan that shows the damaged lungs, but you are not classified as having copd until a PFT shows some obstruction/restriction in your lung function.

I too am always bloated and my gas can get pretty rancid. The gas tends to subside when I cut down on my fiber stuff, but then I get constipated 😒. My bloat has not been as bad since I stopped using my cpap machine, and switched to just overnight oxygen (I was swallowing way to much air while asleep). But I still get bloated, especially when my sinuses act up and I end up breathing through my mouth at night.

Hopefully you will get somewhere with the dietitian. It is possible that you are having dietary issues along with other issues.

I share your frustration with these doctors, my pcp was blaming all my right leg and butt pain/stiffness on the fact that I am getting older (I'm 62), then it was because of the weight I have gained. Although I do agree that I need to lose weight (which is difficult when you can barely walk most of the time), I knew there was something wrong. I saw an orthopedic doctor, had x-rays, turns out my right hip is bone on bone. Listen to your instinct, keep looking until you find a doctor who will listen to you and not just dismiss your concerns, or toss pills at you.

[Debbiesue63]

My gas is upper GI. I burp like crazy, and my stomach gets bloated and hard as a rock. I was even wondering if all these inhalers (3) are part of the cause.

I’m hoping the dietician can help me lose about 20-25 pounds (like Katherine says - it’s hard to lose weight when you can’t get around easily) and set me up with a diet that helps this issue. I know it makes my breathing worse, and my breathing is bad enough. I don’t need worse. 🙄

Thanks for the replies...

[shadow4me]

I like you quite believe that your stomach troubles are affecting your breathing I suffer to xx

[Jocopd]

Try to get into or prescribed pulmonary rehab - it will teach you how to breath better and what exercises people with lung problems can do to help strengthen the right muscles. These are not the same exercises people do at the gym. Plus it will do you good to be active

[Jensmom]

Its funny I happen to see this now. I've spent yesterday and now today with bloating. Its horrible. Feeling like a floating buoy in the water. I've not eaten much or drank because of it. If you find any reason or Dr has an answer, plz share it here ok. I'd be very grateful. Good luck with this and I hope your feeling better soon.

Thank you

Jensmom

[Kristicats]

I feel that Gerd and gastric problems are very common with copd. Gas and reflux normally gets worse with me on the onset of an exacerbation. I often feel this actually causes the flare up/ coughing.