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More gas/bloating as we get older?

(88 Posts)
Farmor15 Sat 30-Mar-19 18:50:13

This is a question my OH suggested I asked Gransnetters. He feels he suffers more from gas/wind and bloating than he did when younger (now 69). I haven't noticed it in myself, except when I eat something like French onion soup.

Have any of you noticed being more "windy" as you age?

aggie Sat 30-Mar-19 18:59:58

No I am 81 and would have noticed by now , he needs a health check

lutongranny Sat 30-Mar-19 19:00:26

eat prunes

Iam64 Sat 30-Mar-19 19:08:16

I'm not sure he needs a health check. He's getting older, our joints and muscles aren't like they were in our 20's, so it's safe to assume whatever deals with other bodily functions may have gone slightly south.
Unless he has worrying symptoms and eats a normal healthy diet I'd say let it go.

Doodle Sat 30-Mar-19 19:08:37

Yes but think it might be IBS which I assume can just come on with age.

dragonfly46 Sat 30-Mar-19 19:30:12

I find I have an increase in wind. I recently had to have a ct scan for an unrelated problem and was diagnosed with diverticulosis. Maybe it could be that.

janeainsworth Sat 30-Mar-19 19:39:04

Definitely blushgrin
Not worried though.

nanasam Sat 30-Mar-19 19:41:10

Now you know why we are called Old Farts! (Sorry if that wasn’t very helpful)

kittylester Sat 30-Mar-19 19:41:14

Definitely.

I've started taking prebiotics and it's made a huge difference.

MiniMoon Sat 30-Mar-19 19:42:36

As we age, many people develop a weakness of the sphincter muscle at the bottom of the gullet. Some people have heartburn and reflux and some develop a hiatus hernia. My sister had burping, bloating and acid reflux. A scan revealed a hiatus hernia. It's not uncommon in our age group. No treatment for my sister, she just has to watch her diet and avoid food which caused her symptoms.

EllanVannin Sat 30-Mar-19 19:46:20

I've had wind all my life so ageing doesn't make much difference. It just happens at inopportune moments now,that's all, like when I sneeze or step off a high kerb.

I remember many years ago mentioning it to my GP at the time and because I was healthy he told me there was nothing to worry about------that it was healthier than belching ? He also said that I wouldn't have stomach problems, and he was right. That was in the 70's. He said I had healthy gut bacteria. It's only swallowed air afterall.

Farmor15 Sat 30-Mar-19 19:54:34

Thanks for suggestions. I was afraid I might get rude replies!
I don’t think it’s IBS but diverticulosis sounds like a possibility. We eat plenty of vegetables but some of these may contribute to his gas. Might suggest to him to try prebiotics and/or probiotics.

Old Fart had occurred to me too?

janeainsworth Sat 30-Mar-19 19:58:18

It’s more than swallowed air, ev.
Flatus is also produced by bacteria fermenting the contents of the gut and quantity is affected by different foods in our diets.

EllanVannin Sat 30-Mar-19 21:12:14

Most of it is " good bacteria " jane.

EllanVannin Sat 30-Mar-19 21:13:14

Look how fit race horses are, they're always trumping !

lemongrove Sat 30-Mar-19 21:19:41

Iam64.... very good ‘let it go’, had to laugh.

Every bit of us is ageing, including the digestive system, so of course OP.
Nothing to worry about, though if you or your DH think it is then cut out a lot of cabbage/broccoli/sprouts etc.

Jane10 Sat 30-Mar-19 21:21:45

I must have absolutely fabulous gut bacteria! grin

Fennel Sat 30-Mar-19 21:27:14

I have that problem too. I try to eat slowly, little and often.
When out and about I often have to search for a quiet place to release the gas blush.
Husband says he doesn't worry about it, it's more natural for men.

crazyH Sat 30-Mar-19 21:27:51

I suffer from heartburn occasionally, but nothing that disrupts my quality of life.

crazyH Sat 30-Mar-19 21:28:43

Btw, I just drink half a glass of milk to ease the symptoms

Anja Sat 30-Mar-19 22:24:11

Buy some BioKult. Boots sell it. That’ll sort your gut out.

Gonegirl Sat 30-Mar-19 22:44:12

I suffer from reflux, and farting. Sigh.

I wonder if I might have diverticulitis. I don't think it can be IBS as I'm pretty sure I read that doesn't start later in life.

I know everything in the intestines slows down as we get older. Peristalsis or something.

Gonegirl Sat 30-Mar-19 22:46:49

Beano tablets sometimes help a bit (taken before meal, and Windeze tablets taken after). Nothing stops it though.

rosecarmel Sun 31-Mar-19 05:53:18

Gripe water or fennel tea or ginger tea helps to dispel it smile

Jane10 Sun 31-Mar-19 08:28:44

I remember a problem page doctor advising a flatulence sufferer to go for a walk after meals but to vary her route. I can just see unfortunate residents thinking 'Quick, shut the windows that farting woman's coming down the street'!