[38F] Experiencing gas, bloating, swollen feet, and cold hands

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, some possible causes of your symptoms include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.

  • Treatment typically focuses on relieving symptoms so that you can live as normally as possible. This might involve dietary changes, medication, and managing stress.

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is particularly common and highly infectious. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, fever and chills.

  • Treatment usually consists of self-care measures to help manage your symptoms while your body fights off the virus.

• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease. Symptoms include fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, puffy face, hoarseness, muscle weakness, elevated blood cholesterol level, muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints, heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods, thinning hair, slowed heart rate, depression, impaired memory.

  • Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

• Food Intolerance: This occurs when your digestive system can't tolerate certain foods. Unlike food allergies, which can cause hives and respiratory problems, an intolerance only affects digestion. Symptoms include gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, and aching.

  • The treatment for food intolerance is to either avoid certain foods or eat them less often and in smaller amounts, as well as to take supplements that might help digestion.

What you can do

1. Keep a food diary: Write down what you eat and how you feel afterwards to see if you can identify any triggers. This can be helpful information to share with your doctor.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration, especially if you've been having diarrhea.
3. Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Instead of three large meals a day, try eating several small meals throughout the day. This can help prevent your digestive system from becoming overloaded and leading to gas and bloating.
4. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help stimulate the muscles of your digestive system to help prevent constipation and promote overall well-being.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, such as vomiting, severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool, or significant weight loss, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.