Bloated hard tummy

[ksimps01]

Hello there

Back in May I caught cholera whilst in Mexico. I had some antibiotic treatment and then further tablets as I was suffering from bad indigestion.

I am a vegetarian and I regularly exercise (I recently took up jogging and I also cycle and dance). However, my stomach has been horribly bloated for the last few weeks and seems to be permanently so. I have eaten a bit more recently, but my stomach is hard not soft, so I can't put it all down to weight gain.

Any ideas how to get rid of this? It is really getting me down as it is very obvious. I have also put on weight in the hip region.

Thank you

[Deenie]

Have you been checked over by a doctor? A swollen tummy that feels hard should be investigated as it can be a sign of an obstructed or constricted bowel. (Although if you don't get any pain this is unlikely to be the case).

As you are a vegetarian your diet is likely to be quite high in fibre - this alone can account for bloating, especially after a pretty major bowel infection like cholera. That will have left your insides quite sensitive.

Try cutting down on insoluble fibre (bran, for example), and make sure you get plenty of protein. If that doesn't help, see a doctor if you haven't already done so.