Late Life Bloating

I have a dear friend in her 80s who asked if I had any ideas why her stomach/gut is recently often bloated up so that she feels like she appears pregnant. I have experienced that, and I know many others do/have, as well.

I did a run through the usual health-knowledge info online and found a number of possibilities. I am not a medical person, so I suggest that you take this information and definitely go to your trusted health care provider with any of the following if they might appear to be a possible explanation for your bloat.

Stomach or gut bloating can be caused by various factors, and it can affect individuals of any age, including older women. Some common causes of stomach or gut bloating in older women include:

• Digestive Disorders: Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, or celiac disease can lead to bloating and discomfort in the stomach and gut.

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• Food Intolerances: Some older women may develop intolerances to certain foods, such as lactose or gluten, which can cause bloating when those foods are consumed.

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• Constipation: Constipation, which becomes more common with age due to factors like decreased physical activity and changes in diet or medication, can lead to bloating and discomfort.

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• Menopause: Hormonal changes associated with menopause can affect digestion and lead to bloating in some women.

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• Medications: Certain medications, including pain relievers, antacids, and some antidepressants, can cause bloating as a side effect.

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• Gas: Gas in the digestive tract can result from swallowing air while eating, drinking carbonated beverages, or as a byproduct of digestion, leading to bloating.

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• Poor Diet: Consuming a diet high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugars, and low in fiber can contribute to bloating and digestive discomfort.

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• Compression Fractures: "Bowel problems are a common complication of compression fractures. The most common problem is constipation, which can be caused by the pressure of the fracture on the nerves that control the bowels. This pressure can also cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. In severe cases, the intestine can become blocked, which can be life-threatening." * Impaired Diaphragm Function: "An injury at the upper levels of the spinal cord may affect innervation of the diaphragm. Diaphragm contractions push down on the abdominal cavity, which may increase pressure and contribute to the sensation of bloating." **

      

• Fluid Retention: Conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease can cause fluid retention, leading to bloating in the abdomen.

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• Gastroparesis: This condition, which involves delayed stomach emptying, can cause bloating, nausea, and other digestive symptoms.

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• Gastrointestinal Obstruction: Partial or complete blockages in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to bloating, along with other symptoms like abdominal pain and vomiting.

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• Bacterial Overgrowth: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there's an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine, leading to bloating, gas, and other digestive issues.

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• Stress: Chronic stress can affect digestion and contribute to symptoms like bloating and discomfort in the stomach and gut.

It's important for older women experiencing persistent or severe bloating to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.

* taken from Brandon Orthopedics

** taken from Flint Rehab