Desperate for Relief: Struggling with Chronic Bloating
I'm reaching out in hopes of finding some guidance, as I feel overwhelmed. I'm a 24-year-old woman grappling with severe bloating that has persisted for five years with no relief in sight. This isn’t merely mild discomfort; it’s distressingly painful, affects my heart rate, and makes it nearly impossible for me to breathe normally. I find myself needing to force out a burp that lasts between 5 to 10 seconds which momentarily eases my shortness of breath, but then my stomach quickly becomes distended again. It truly feels like my diaphragm is immobilized by the excessive gas. To provide a bit of context, my troubles began after I contracted COVID nearly five years ago. In the months that followed, I experienced incredibly frequent burping—every ten seconds or so—and lost significant weight, dropping from 125 pounds to just 100 pounds. Additionally, I received a diagnosis of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Though I witnessed some improvement in 2023 and early 2024, which allowed me to regain some weight, those improvements have abruptly vanished, and the symptoms have returned with a vengeance. I have explored numerous avenues in search of relief. I’ve adhered to a low FODMAP diet, taken Zyrtec and Pepcid in the event of allergy-related issues, and eliminated gluten and sugar from my meals. I have undergone two endoscopies and one colonoscopy, which revealed nothing but a minor hiatal hernia. Food sensitivity tests showed no reaction to gluten or dairy. No matter my eating habits—whether I choose to skip meals or eat regularly—I feel perpetually unwell. As I write this, it's a struggle to even reach my car; my abdomen is painfully swollen, and my heart rate is soaring into the 150s. I am breathless for several minutes before I can regain my composure after even light activities. The physical exertion brings on panic attacks and makes navigating my schooling exceptionally challenging. Unfortunately, I cannot identify specific triggers in my food that contribute to this distress; it seems anything I consume can set it off. My gastroenterologist has attributed my symptoms, including alternating constipation and diarrhea, to dumping syndrome, but no progress has been made regarding my bloating symptoms. Aside from the scopes, I underwent a gastric emptying study that yielded normal results, likely conducted due to my history of hEDS (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). I am pleading for any advice or suggestions that might shed light on this predicament. The toll this discomfort has taken on my mental health is unbearable; it feels as though I'm living in constant pain or discomfort. I am running out of ways to cope, feeling as if my heart could fail from the breathlessness. I've considered SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) or H. pylori infections, but I'm uncertain if my symptoms align with either condition. Please, if anyone has insights or recommendations, I would be forever grateful.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 9:10:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the intense discomfort you're experiencing. Chronic bloating, especially when accompanied by shortness of breath and heart rate changes, can be incredibly distressing. It sounds like you've already navigated a complex medical journey, which can be exhausting.
Main Points:
- Chronic bloating can stem from various causes and is often multifactorial, particularly in your case given your history of POTS and possibly hEDS.
- There are several actionable steps you can take to manage your symptoms and evaluate potential triggers further.
Explanation:
Given your history of COVID-19, POTS, and hEDS, it's understandable that your body could be reacting in ways that are challenging to interpret. Bloating can result from dietary issues, gastrointestinal conditions (like SIBO or functional dyspepsia), or even from complications related to POTS, which can affect how your body handles blood flow and digestion. Since you've already excluded several common food sensitivities and undergone extensive testing, focusing on symptom management and exploring next steps may be essential.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Keep a Detailed Symptom Diary: Track everything you eat and drink, along with the timing and severity of your bloating and breathlessness. This can help pinpoint specific patterns or triggers.
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Consider a Breath Test for SIBO: Since you mentioned SIBO, a lactulose or glucose breath test can help determine if this is contributing to your bloating. Consulting with a gastroenterologist specialized in functional gastrointestinal disorders may be beneficial.
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Revisit Dietary Modifications: While you've tried a low FODMAP diet, working with a dietitian experienced in digestive disorders could be helpful. They can tailor a diet specifically for your symptoms, considering any new findings from your symptom diary or breath test.
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Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: In cases of POTS, focusing on increasing salt and fluid intake can help manage your symptoms. Ensure you're drinking enough fluids throughout the day.
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Physical Activity: Engage in gentle, low-impact exercises as tolerated. This can aid digestion and improve overall cardiovascular response. Activities like walking, stretching, or yoga may also help alleviate some symptoms and improve your mental well-being.
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Explore Medications: Discuss with your gastroenterologist the possibility of medications that target gas production or aid in motility. Options include prokinetics or prescription-strength simethicone products.
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Seek Mental Health Support: Given the toll this discomfort is taking on your mental health, it may be beneficial to connect with a mental health professional who understands chronic illness. They can help you develop coping strategies and provide support.
Remember, it's important to approach these steps one at a time to assess their effectiveness and avoid becoming overwhelmed. Your journey has been incredibly challenging, and seeking relief is a significant and worthy goal. I hope you find some strategies that bring you comfort soon.
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