My father has "bloating" in his stomach (and his

The prilosec may not have been helpful due to the fact he may need prescription strength Nexium or Prevacid as these are much stronger and can help when the Prilosec is not effective. The beer of course can also attribute to the stomach bloating that he is experiencing so it would be wise for him to limit his alcohol intake especially since he only has one kidney. I think they are on the right tract with the Prilosec but feel he would do better on the Nexium or Prevacid. He should also have a liver function test performed as well.

__________________
*Cheryl K* Please click the "ACCEPT" button
if my information was helpful so I get credit for my work. Bonuses and/or feedback are greatly appreciated! Click reply for more info

Relist: I want a different opinion.

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on June 29 2006 at 12:56pm

Helen,

My name is Steve. I also answer Health Questions here at JustAnswer. I would like to add to the excellent advice previously given you by my colleague, Cheryl.

Bloating has numerous causes -- including (as Cheryl suggested) liver conditions. Causes of bloating can also involve food allergies/ intolerance -- acute or chronic illness. The bloating can indicate that gas, or fluid, is being retained.

In the absence of other symptoms, digestive disturbance and/or imbalance should be ruled out before exploring other -- perhaps more complicated/serious causal possibilities. As we age, our bodies produce less stomach acid. They also become less forgiving of our mealtime indiscretions.

Have your father keep a log of what he eats for two weeks -- also have him log when bloating (and any related) symptoms occur -- when they get worse, when they get better, and when they go away. See if he (or you) can spot any pattern.

Your father might also try over-the-counter remedies for lactose intolerance (such as Lactaid) and/or a remedy (such as Beano) for gas/bloating caused by eating vegetables -- especially raw vegetables. A Probiotic supplement is also worth considering. It restores/replenishes beneficial intestinal bacteria that are sometimes lost from, among other things, the use of antibiotics.

Be sure to have your father consult his doctor if his symptoms worsen, or do not improve.

If I understand you correctly, your father's alcohol consumption has increased markedly since his retirement. This behavioral change strongly suggests clinical depression -- and perhaps, alcoholism as well. If at all possible, you should ask father's doctor about these possibilities/concerns.

Click above Link(s) (if any) for additional information.

Let me know if you need more input. If not, thanks for the opportunity to assist you... Please honor my efforts by Clicking the green 'Accept' button (located within this post -- above-right). Adding a bonus -- should you wish to do so -- would be warmly welcomed.

Good Luck!

Steve


Edited by Oreport on June 30 2006 at 4:46am

__________________
Counselor /listener/collaborative problem solver. Thanks!