Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history and understood your concerns.
Chest and rib pain for the last 16 years can be due to
costochondritis or
fibromyalgia.
Stomach bloating or pressure for the similar 16 years can be due to excessive gas production or
aerophagia as this is relieved by dozens of sips of water, belching obviously reduces the load. The remaining part getting removed by the farting with or without bowel movements.
I would advise you the following in such a situation:
Get a clinical evaluation by your Doctor or get a referral for a Gastroenterologist too.
Ultrasonogrpahy of the abdomen.
Upper GI Endoscopy and CT scan of the whole abdomen can help to get the probable diagnosis.
Also needed are the tests of stool, blood and urine.
If any disease or disorder is found during the course of an investigations, please get this treated accordingly.
If all the investigations are normal then this can be taken as IBS that is
irritable bowel syndrome. Thence you have to reduce your amount of stress and anxiety. Change over the diet if you find any instigating foods and/or beverages.
Stop aerated drinks and nuts.
Take probiotics to have a proper balance of bacterial flora in the intestines.