I'm trying to identify a food allergy.

[hedgehog]

Occasionally my husband eats something that causes him digestive distress, burping, gas etc. The problem is that we can't identify anything special. For example, it doesn't happen every time he eats bread or drinks milk, nor does it happen every time he has pizza or fish. In other words, it's not something he encounters every day, and we can't associate it with something he eat occasionally. I've seen some reports of antibiotic carryover into food. Is it possible that occasionally he's getting a dose of antibiotic that's upsetting his intestinal flora? Has anyone ever heard of something like this happening?

[Warpy]

1. Could he be constipated when he gets these symptoms?

that's how it works for a lot of people.

If they are starting to happen more frequently, please consult a doctor.

[hedgehog]

2. Nothing that dire, just some annoyance. I don't mean to tread to close to the ban

on health info, just looking for ideas to take to the doctor.

[sandnsea]

3. For me it's a combination + excess stress

Dairy in itself can do it, especially sour cream. But more often it's dairy + certain raw vegetables, they both cause the stomach to release excess gas. Apples for instance, broccoli, carrots. Sometimes I'm okay for one day, but if I eat pizza one day, then yogurt with fruit the next, then dip and veggies, the third day of that combo can be a killer. Eating right before bed can really bring on pure agony. And if I'm under unusual stress, it can really set it off too. And then there's egg and turkey, just for general annoyances.

[hedgehog]

4. You know, I never thought of combinations as the problem -

that's what may be foxing us, the thought that it can't be A or B because he didn't get sick the last time he had A or the last time he had B, but A+B together......

Thanks - I may have him keep a food diary.

[LiberalEsto]

5. Look for hidden lactose/dairy

I've had lactose intolerance since my 20s. I thought I had it under control by taking Lactaid tablets every time I ate something with cheese or milk. But I still got sudden horrible attacks of diarrhea, gas, cramping and pain for no apparent reason.

Recently I found that one of my medications contains lactose as an inactive ingredient, and was causing me to have daily gastric attacks. Now I take a Lactaid tablet every time I take the medication. Check all his medications. including OTC ones, for lactose. You can ask the pharmacist, or look up the medication on-line.

I've also discovered that yogurt, which didn't bother me in the past, now sets me off (maybe they've changed formulas in making it?). Sometimes baked goods contain nonfat dry milk or whey, so read labels carefully.

[hedgehog]

6. Actually - I feed him yogurt to settle his stomach when he gets a problem.

I'm halfway convinced that sometimes there are antibiotics carried over in his food and that wipes out all the good bacteria.

[LiberalEsto]

7. Does it help?

Because if it makes him worse, try giving him a Lactaid tablet with it. For some reason I can't eat yogurt without taking Lactaid any more.

[safeinOhio]

8. Look at acid reflux

I knew I had a problem when I started to get indigestion from drinking water. Try a week of over the counter prilosic.

[yy4me]

9. Sometimes food allergies cause things things you'd never

expect. A few years ago I had to have the whole series of allergy tests and one of the things that showed up was a strong reaction to soy. Of course there were other things on the list but I certainly would never have expected some of them. Certain of the food items did upset my stomach, others caused rashes and breathing problems.

Now I have to spend a little extra time reading labels not only for the obvious things we all try to avoid but for things like soy and any shellfish or fish ingredients. Good thing I don't like fish anyway.

I hope you find out the problem soon, food is supposed to be enjoyed, not give you heartburn.