Meteorism in Elderly: Causes, Management, and What Really Helps

When older adults deal with persistent bloating and gas, it’s not just uncomfortable—it’s often a sign of something deeper. meteorism in elderly, the medical term for excessive intestinal gas causing abdominal swelling. Also known as abdominal distension, it’s one of the most common digestive complaints in people over 65, yet it’s rarely treated properly. Unlike younger people, seniors often can’t blame fast food or carbonated drinks. Their bodies change. Digestive enzymes drop. Gut motility slows. The microbiome shifts. And medications—like those for blood pressure, arthritis, or heart conditions—can quietly cause gas buildup.

One major culprit is lactose intolerance, a common condition in aging where the body stops making enough lactase to break down dairy. Dairy-induced bloating affects nearly half of seniors, but many don’t realize it’s the milk or cheese causing their discomfort. Another is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a condition where bacteria from the colon migrate upward and ferment food too early. SIBO-related gas is often misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome, especially when tests aren’t done. Even simple things like chewing gum, drinking through straws, or eating too fast can trap air—something that gets worse with age because swallowing reflexes weaken.

Many seniors are put on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for heartburn, but these drugs can make meteorism worse by lowering stomach acid too much, letting bacteria thrive. Others take fiber supplements thinking it’ll help, but insoluble fiber like wheat bran can inflame the gut and trap even more gas. The real fix isn’t more pills—it’s targeted changes. Swapping dairy for almond milk, eating smaller meals, chewing slowly, and avoiding carbonated drinks often bring relief faster than any over-the-counter gas pill.

There’s also a link between medication side effects, especially those affecting gut motility. constipation-inducing drugs like opioids, anticholinergics, and some antidepressants slow digestion, letting gas build up instead of moving out. If your loved one is on multiple prescriptions, it’s worth asking their doctor: Could any of these be contributing to the bloating?

What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t generic tips. These are real, tested insights from people who’ve been there—how cholestyramine helped one senior with chronic bloating by calming gut inflammation, how acotiamide improved motility in functional dyspepsia cases, and why vitamin K intake matters even for gas issues when on blood thinners. You’ll see how simple diet tweaks, timing of meds, and avoiding certain supplements can turn daily discomfort into manageable days. No fluff. No hype. Just what works for aging bodies.