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Question

I've had a lot of gas, belching and flatulence for a few months that would come and go, but has seemed to increase lately. Many times, I'm guaranteed of it occurring even before I finish a meal. Along with that is a sense of being bloated. Recently I've discovered an elongated lump (side to side of my body) above my navel that seems about an inch and a half long. It's not painful but just slightly tender to the touch. I'm a 51 year old male.

Submitted: 181 days and 18 hours ago.
Category: Health
Value: $14
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Gender: Male
Age: 51

Already Tried:
I've not tried anything yet.

Posted by Dr. Arun Phophalia 181 days and 18 hours ago.

Info Request

Greetings.

 

Has your bowel habits changed? Do you have constipation or diarrhea or weight loss or loss of appetite?

 

Any significant past medical or surgical history?

 

Dr. Arun

Dr. Arun Phophalia40076.2887113079

181 days and 18 hours ago.

Reply

I deficate regularly, sometimes often. My stools, at times, seem to be "shredded" or smaller in nature. Sometimes I have to push and it will kind of come out in spurts. That's the only change and that's been going on for a couple months.

I'm not constipated ever and it's not really diarrhea. I don't think I've lost any weight. I don't have a loss of appetite, but sometimes think it seems like it's been awhile since I've eaten, maybe a little longer than usual, but I also feel bloated when that occurs, if I remember correctly.

Only surgery I've had was eye surgery as a child, herniated disc as an adult maybe seven or eight years ago. I was hospitalized with pneumonia five years ago, but am okay as far as I know.

Accepted Answer

Hello,

 

Thanks for the further information.

 

A gas, belching and flatulence points to following in your age group;

 

1) Gall bladder disease / gall stones

2) Diverticulosis / diverticulitis

3) Irritable bowel syndrome

 

Having said that, a lump always warrants an evaluation by a physician and investigation like ultrasound and a CT scan with your symptoms. That only can give the concrete diagnosis in your case. Please contact your primary health care provider as soon as possible for the physical exam and these investigations.

 

Following may help you, meanwhile;

 

1) Avoid

 

a) Cabbage

b) Beer

c) Legumes

d) Cheese

e) Beans

 

2) This may help;

 

a) Bismuth subsalicylate

b) Activated charcoal

c) Simethicone; (Maalox, Mylanta); Simethicone causes gas bubbles to break up.

d) Beano; contains an enzyme (alpha-galactosidase), which helps to breakdown certain complex carbohydrates.

 

All are available without prescription.

 

Avoid foods that appear to aggravate symptoms. These may include milk and dairy products, certain fruits or vegetables, whole grains, artificial sweeteners etc. But this is based on the personal observation for the aggravating food.

 

Discontinue the following if you do them;

 

1) gum chewing,

2) smoking,

3) drinking carbonated beverages, and

4) gulping food and liquids.

 

Please feel free for your follow up questions.

 

Dr. Arun

Dr. Arun Phophalia40076.2990434838

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Expert: Dr. Arun Phophalia
Pos. Feedback: 99.7 %
Accepts: 7000
Answered: 9/20/2009

Doctor (MD)

MBBS, MS (General Surgery), Post-doctoral Fellowship in Sports Medicine

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