Digestive issues are common as we age since the metabolism weakens. Usually, when bloating happens, we look at our diet to figure out what causes it. Possibly, the culprit could be something other than what you ate.
As we age, we may develop health issues due to which we must take prescribed medicines. Unknown to us, some of these medicines may cause bloating. Some Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines we take for mild issues can also cause bloating and constipation. Many aged people have constipation, which also leads to bloating. Some medicines can worsen the situation, causing extreme discomfort. Only qualified doctors can help us understand whether our bloating is due to normal ageing, diet or the medicines we consume.
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- Painkillers
For those who are used to popping a pill for headaches, body aches and more, please think twice before doing so. Some common painkillers, especially the OTC ones, can cause bloating, though they may relieve your headache!
Painkillers mostly contain Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These stop the production of pain-triggering prostaglandins in our body to relieve our pain. But they can result in inflammation in our gut and damage or irritate our gut lining. These drugs can also cause fluid retention that can cause bloating. Opioid or opiate painkillers slow down the stool movement, causing bloating.
Solution
Try alternate pain therapies like heat, cold and physiotherapy and avoid popping pills. Discuss the lowest possible doses of NSAIDs as a last option with doctors. If starting opioids, then discuss laxatives with your doctor. Also, have a fibre-rich diet that can help in bowel movement.
- Antibiotics
Many antibiotic drugs kill a few good bacteria in our gut while killing pathogens. When that happens, microbes that produce gas thrive in the gut and cause bloating.
Solution
Consume probiotic and prebiotic foods to strengthen the gut during and after antibiotic treatment. Make curds, yoghurt, etc., a part of the regular diet.
- Steroids
While steroids help combat inflammation, they also affect the immune system and cause microbial imbalance, leading to bloating.
Solution
Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet. Avoid known inflammation-causing foods such as alcohol, unhealthy fats, processed grains, refined sugars, etc. Taper off the steroids with your physician’s help.
- Allergy and cold medicines (Anticholinergics)
Most of us pop OTC pills for colds and allergies. Anticholinergics block the activity of a chemical called acetylcholine, which regulates many body functions. Hence, it has side effects on many body functions, including bowel movement and digestion, leading to bloating.
Solution
Discuss with your doctor and request the least harmful medicines. Avoid OTC medicines and get official prescriptions for allergies, colds and flu.
- Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs used for hypertension)
These medicines lower the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessel muscles. They may also relax the gut muscles, which can cause bloating.
Solution
You must consult your doctor to find alternate prescriptions that do not cause bloating. Of course, changing your diet to include more fibre-rich foods and staying well-hydrated helps.
- Antidepressants
Some antidepressants, known as tricyclic antidepressants, can cause bloating. It happens because while they trigger brain receptors to help improve the mood, they may also affect some receptors in the gut, slowing the movement through the bowel.
Solution
If the bloating is severe, consult your doctor to change the medicines. However, before doing so, try maintaining a high-fibre diet, exercising regularly, and drinking adequate water.
- Statins
Statins help lower blood pressure. However, there is not enough evidence to conclude why they cause bloating. One theory is that they slow down digestion, thereby leading to bloating.
Solution
If you are taking statins, you may try gut-muscle strengthening exercises. However, if the bloating is troublesome, you will have to discuss with the doctor to switch medicine.
