[posted 03/30/2000]
Question: What can I do about severely foul flatulence that begins by noon and gets worse? I Can only eat just meats or just fresh fruits/veges to avoid or reduce it. Bread seems to be the culprit. What can I take to prevent it? Sometimes I want to eat breads, pizza, pastas, etc.

Answer: Assuming it just started, I'd see your md and see if they can find the cause.

[posted 11/24/1999]
Question: I have had epilepsy since 1986, when I had a partial
complex seizure. It is apparently the result of being
hit by a car in 1966. I had no problem with seizures before
that time. I had brain surgery 2/98. Though I still have
seizures, they are much less severe.

Before the surgery I was on Tegretol, which I stayed on
until about 3 months ago. I have switched to Lamictal,
which is not a whole lot more effective.

I am also on Zestrol for blood pressure, and Paxil for
depression. (I was VERY depressed after the operation,
which I understand is not uncommon after this surgery. Wish
they had told me that.)

Since I had the operation I have had various problems. My
forehead it paralyzed, and I lost sight in the upper right
section of both eyes. Since the seizure focus was close to
my speech area, I have trouble thinking of words and spelling.

I am coping with that. My most frustrating post-operative
problem, however, is FLATUENCE! It starts about noon every
day, and gets worse as the day goes on. It's noisy, it starts
smelling terrible as the day goes on. I am not sure
whether this started immediately after surgery or when
I switched to lamictal. I had other problems right after
the operation.

Any idea what this can be? Combination of drugs? Reaction
to lamictal? Surgery related? Old age? (I'm 51.)
Developing a reaction to some foods?

Oh, and I am burping a lot these days.

Your help will be greatly appreciated. And considering the
nature of the problem, I'd appreciate anonymity.

Answer: No great ideas possibly the lamictal, but I wouldn't understand the time variation. Gall bladder dysfunction occasionally present like this worth a check. Also, high fiber diets produce lots of flatulence, try cutting back.

Excessive Gas [posted 7/17/98]
Question: For 4 weeks I have been troubled with extreme and excessive flatulence (all day and all night). My stomach bloats after eating. Simethicone products are not helping. There is no diarrhea or constipation or belching. Stools are not abnormal in color. I have no history of intestinal disorder, gall bladder or pancreas trouble.

Answer: First, cut out all milk products. Lactose intolerance is very common and occasionally is only seen in later ages. Second, you possibly have guardia lamblia-a one celled parasite which is common around children or if you are exposed to well water (stream water from camping etc.). This would require antibiotics. So, cut out the dairy products. If you're not better check with your doctor.

Increased Flatulus
Question: The amount of flatus that I pass has increased significantly. I have no health problems and no other symptoms. My diet has remained unchanged. Any reasons for this?

Answer: Flatus is one of those things that we don't do a good job on. However, high fiber will increase the amount of gas. So will different foods-beans etc. Cut the fiber and see if it improves.

General Information
Question: What causes human beings to have gas from the foods we eat?

Answer: Bacteria in your intestinal tract as well as the digestive process itself. You will note that the most gas comes from vegetables. Unfortunately, there are few medical "fixes" for this problem.
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