Bloating but no cramps or diarrheoa

[MylittleRosie]

Hi all, I’m new to this site but am already gaining knowledge through people’s posts.

My problem is that I only have a couple of symptoms- extreme bloatedness and awful wind with stomach noises to boot 😂. I would laugh but the bloatedness is v uncomfortable and the stomach noises and wind are embarrassing.

I have cut out potato’s as I think they trigger it. I have reduced broccoli and cauliflower as they seem to trigger it too. Apples seem bad too.

However, I wanted your expert opinions on whether you think this is IBS. It started only 2 yrs ago when I was 40 and came and went every few months but this episode has lasted 6 months I think!! The GP thinks it’s ibs. Can you have bloatedness and no diarrhoea or cramping or constipation in ibs? Do others?

Irritatingly at the same time the ‘ibs’ started I developed irritable bladder!! Double whammy. Do any of you have these combined? I have had treatment for irritable bladder which has helped a little.

Thanks in advance for any responses!

[Robinson32]

I also have bloating as my main ibs symptom, with out really having diarrhoea and constipation to accompany it. I do have the stomach cramping sometimes however. The horrible thing in my case and many others I presume is that I have no idea what causes it. It doesn't seem to matter what kind of foods I eat or don't eat, one day I can be fine and the next not so. If it is becoming a real problem in your daily life then it is important that you get certain tests done I would say, just to rule some things out like certain allergies etc. Stress and anxiety are always mentioned as a trigger, and worrying about it can make things worse but it is so hard not to always be thinking 'how will I be feeling tomorrow' when you have plans etc.

[cj20uk]

I am the same although I did used to have diarrhoea until I went on the low FODMAP diet. It didn't help with my bloating but I know it does for some people. Broccoli stalks and apples are high in fructose, whilst cauliflower and apples are high in polyols, so if you are reacting to those, it might be worth checking what other foods are high in those to see if there is a pattern. I used the Monash University app which lists all foods and what FODMAPS they contain. It is best to go through a dietician though and to rule out other digestive conditions if you have not already done so.

[MylittleRosie]

Thank you so much both. Really reassuring responses! I’m going to have a look into the Monash University app. My GP ran bloods 2 yrs ago when it all started. I was all clear from coeliacs. They checked other things at that time. I do tend to agree with GP that it looks like IBS.

[dedeottie]

I am also the same plus I get pain in my left side under the rib where the gas gets trapped in my splenic flexure. I did yhe fodmap diet on my own and it was effective but all fell down when I started to reintroduce foods. I am paying to see a dietician now as I think I need help ! X

[MylittleRosie in reply to dedeottie]

Thank you. I’ve just downloaded a FODMAP app and am going to try it. Poor you with trapped gas. For me it doesn’t get trapped ... it all comes out 😬😳. I will think about a dietician in future. X