Hello doctor, I have gas problem and bloating after I eat any normal size meal. I have struggled with constipation for years, but paid very close attention to that issue. Currently, it is not the problem. I have had colonoscopy and stool tests and they were fine. I did have colitis back due to use of antibiotics but have had no problems since then it was clear with medication. Before 16 years, I had ruptured disc L5-S1, which caused me to have emergency surgery and an acute onset of cauda equina syndrome (CES). The CES caused problems with my colon, rectum, bladder and sex organs. All areas have improved over time, but they are not normal, I also had nerve damage. I have tried everything over-the-counter, all kinds of probiotics, supplements, peppermint tea, but nothing helps. Please advice.
Hi. These kind of problems are very common due to our dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle. Sometimes it is due to deficiency of enzymes also, this is uncommon and the main factor is lifestyle.  The syndrome of bloating and constipation is known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This is a very common problem and involves around 10-30%of population. Stressful lifestyle also causes such problem. You already have one stress due to chronic illness. The management is very simple, it includes avoidance of fatty and spicy meal with plenty of water, regular exercise and alleviation of tension. Treatment of constipation is the key to get rid of these problems. Most of the time it improves after adequate management of constipation. We need to take high fiber diet along with fiber supplement and some laxatives may be needed for short term. Dietary habits, lack of water intake, excess intake of stored food and fast food and stressful lifestyle. It is a clinical diagnosis, investigations are not required. 1. Take high fibre diet. 2. Take plenty of water, a minimum of 4-5 litres per day. 3. Avoid fatty and spicy meal, stored food and fast food. 4. Do regular physical exercise. 5. Take tablet Lansoprazole 40 mg two times a day half an hour before food intake. 6. Avoid charcoal, it may cause constipation. 7. Take methyl cellulose 3 spoon two times in a day. 8. Brush your teeth and then have half a litre of water, before going for defecation.