Stomach bug, stomach flu and gas. What is the reason?
Patient: My husband and I both had some sort of stomach bug (It probably is not Norwalk, as the one person who I came into contact with at work tested negative for it...I am a nurse).  But, my question is about the gas related to the stomach flu.  I seem to be feeling much better today (after about 36 hours of feeling horrible), but the amount of air in my intestines is crazy.  It's the only real thing that has got me still feeling a bit "off."  Is there anything I can do to reduce the gassy feeling after a stomach virus, or do I just need to let it run it's course? Doctor: Hi ! As both you and your husband have got gastro intestinal problems together, it seems that infection you got has a common source, most likely some food from outside which you both might have consumed. Possibly you have not taken any medicinal treatment for the same nor you have consulted any doctor till now. Once the infection persists in the stomach, it may give rise to all the symptoms you have mentioned about.  I will advise you go for a stool test and if necessary , a culture sensitivity of your stool, consult your family physician, and take appropriate antibiotic covering both aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Amebiasis has to be specially thought of. You can also add some kind of probiotic with anti flatulant drug, and a proton pump inhibitor. Hope this will solve your problem. Wishing you an early recovery.