Question here
I experience constant bloatedness, which I have been trying to manage without success. I have been told that this is caused by one of my medications (Lansoprozone) for acid control which increases intestinal bacteria, thereby causing bloating. I noticed that when I stop taking Lansoprozone for a couple of days the bloating is less but I experienced severe acid reflux. How can I eliminate the bloating without suffering the reflux??
Bloating and uncomfortable feelings of abdominal fullness and pain after eating are common in scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis). Reasons include slowing of emptying of the stomach and also a tendency for bacteria to overgrow and cause extreme wind in the bowel. Lamoprazole is very effective in treating heartburn in scleroderma by switching off stomach acid. Unfortunately this removes the natural anti bacterial effect of the acid. Antibiotics can kill the bacteria. You should discuss with your doctor whether this is something that might help you. A specific breath test can help confirm bacterial overgrowth.
