Bloating: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Abdominal bloating is a common symptom that can occur at any age and may be caused by functional gastrointestinal disorders, organic diseases, or may even occur on its own. It happens when the stomach becomes filled with air or gas, causing discomfort or pain and a feeling of fullness.
The swelling is usually accompanied by:
- Pain
- Excess gas (flatulence)
- Frequent burping or belching
- Abdominal noises or gurgling
Abdominal bloating may interfere with your ability to work and participate in social or recreational activities. Swelling is joint in both adults and children.
Causes of Bloating
Gas
Bloating is caused by gas build-up in the digestive tract after eating. Gas forms when you swallow air or when food is not digested correctly. Especially if they are:
- Eating or drinking too fast
- Chewing gum
- Smoking
- Wear loose dentures
Swallowed air exits the body through belching and flatulence. Slow gas transport can cause bloating.
Indigestion
Indigestion, sometimes called dyspepsia, is an upset or pain in the stomach. Most people experience short episodes of indigestion from time to time. It is often caused by:
- Eat too much
- Excessive alcohol
- Medications that irritate the stomach, such as ibuprofen
- A small stomach infection
Medical Causes
Other causes of swelling can be because of medical conditions. These include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- Other functional gastrointestinal disorders (GFRD)
- Heartburn
- Food intolerance
- Weight gain
- Hormonal flow (especially for women)
- Giardiasis (infection by intestinal parasites)
- Mental health factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, and more
- Some medications
Infection
Stomach infections can produce gas, which can also be accompanied and most stomach infections resolve within a few days. But if you have severe dehydration or worsening symptoms with swelling,and also have
Liquid Retention
- Eating salty foods
- Food intolerances
Hormonal Changes
- Premenstrual swelling
- Early pregnancy swelling.
Food Intolerances
Some people get bloated after eating certain foods. For example, people who are lactose intolerant or have gluten allergy or celiac disease. The bloating usually goes away on its own, but it can be related to diarrhea or stomach pain.
Serious Causes
Abdominal bloating may also be a symptom of several serious conditions, including:
Pathological accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) due to:
- Cancer (e.g., ovarian cancer)
- Liver disease
- Kidney failure
- Congestive heart failure
Celiac disease or gluten intolerance
- Pancreatic insufficiency leads to impaired digestion due to inadequate production of digestive enzymes by the pancreas.
- Perforation of the GI tract results in leakage of gas, normal bacteria, and other contents into the abdominal cavity.
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Get A Second OpinionSymptoms of Bloating
Bloating can manifest with various signs, including:
- Abdominal Fullness or Swelling: A feeling of fullness or tightness in the stomach, often after eating.
- Visible Distension: The abdomen may appear visibly swollen or puffed up, sometimes making clothing feel tighter.
- Excess Gas: Increased burping or flatulence (passing gas) may accompany bloating.
- Stomach Pain or Discomfort: Bloating can cause cramping, sharp pain, or general discomfort in the abdomen.
- Feeling of Heaviness: A sensation of heaviness or pressure in the stomach, especially after meals.
- Indigestion: Difficulty digesting food, leading to discomfort or a bloated feeling.
- Loss of Appetite: Bloating may cause you to feel full or reduce your desire to eat, even if you haven't eaten much.
- Nausea: Some people may feel nauseated or queasy, particularly when bloating is accompanied by other digestive issues.
If bloating is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss, vomiting, or blood in stool, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Diagnosis of Bloating
- Diagnosis of swelling by the doctor through an in-office physical exam.
- Questions about symptoms to determine the cause of swelling.
- Inquiry into the frequency of swelling occurrences.
Complete Blood Count
A complete blood count checks the levels of different cells in your blood to rule out infection or check for blood loss.
Urine Test
This looks for urinary infections and other urinary tract disorders. If you are a woman, they will probably also verify your pregnancy.
Stool Analysis
A stool test looks for abnormalities in your stool that could indicate an infection or a problem with your digestive system.
Picture Test
Doctors may use MRI or ultrasound to check for abdominal organ abnormalities. Ultrasound uses sound waves to view internal structures through the skin. These can include radiation images such as:
Treatment of Bloating
Treatments for abdominal distention and pain aim to address the underlying cause of bloating. Here's an overview of some common treatments:
Antibiotics for Infections:
If bloating is caused by an infection in the digestive system, such as bacterial overgrowth or foodborne illness, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
Example: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can lead to bloating, and specific antibiotics can help restore the balance of gut bacteria.
Bowel Rest for Bowel Obstruction:
In cases of bowel obstruction, where the normal flow of food and gas is blocked, bowel rest may be recommended. This involves avoiding food and sometimes liquids temporarily to give the digestive system time to heal.
Example: Bowel obstruction caused by scar tissue, tumors, or severe constipation may require medical intervention and, in some cases, surgery.
Medications to Stimulate Bowel Movement:
For individuals with slow gastrointestinal motility, medications that stimulate bowel movement may be prescribed to help improve digestion and reduce bloating.
Example: Laxatives, prokinetic agents, or stool softeners can be used when there’s a deficiency in the movement of the gastrointestinal tract. However, these should be used under a doctor’s guidance to avoid dependence or side effects.
Probiotics:
Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, may be recommended to help balance the gut microbiota, especially in cases of bloating caused by digestive imbalances or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Example: Probiotic supplements or fermented foods like yogurt can help restore the balance of bacteria in the gut, potentially alleviating bloating symptoms.
Antispasmodic Medications:
These medications help relieve abdominal cramps and spasms, which can sometimes be a cause of bloating. They are particularly helpful for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal conditions.
Example: Medications such as hyoscine or dicyclomine can help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing discomfort.
Digestive Enzymes:
If bloating is caused by difficulty digesting certain foods (like lactose or gluten), enzyme supplements may be prescribed. These enzymes can aid in the breakdown of food in the digestive system and reduce bloating.
Example: Lactase supplements for individuals who are lactose intolerant or pancreatic enzymes for those with pancreatic insufficiency.
Dietary Adjustments:
In some cases, your doctor may suggest dietary changes, such as following a low-FODMAP diet or avoiding foods that cause gas.
Example: Limiting the intake of certain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, like garlic, onions, and beans, can reduce bloating.
Hydration and Salt Management:
Staying hydrated and reducing excess salt in the diet helps prevent water retention, which can contribute to bloating. Drinking adequate water aids in digestion and helps relieve constipation, a common cause of bloating.
When to Visit a Doctor?
You don't need to see a doctor if you have occasional bloating or gas. However, some conditions that cause bloating, gas, and abdominal pain can be severe and even life-threatening. That's why it's so important to consult your doctor if:
- Over-the-counter remedies or changes in eating habits don't help
- Have unexplained weight loss
- You have no appetite
- Have chronic or frequent constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Have persistent bloating, gas, or heartburn
- Your stools contain blood or mucus
- There have been major changes in your bowel movements
- Your symptoms make it difficult for you to function
Seek Immediate Medical Attention if
- Abdominal pain is severe
- The diarrhea is severe
- You have chest pain
- You have a high fever
Home Remedies for Bloating
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Book an AppointmentQuick tips to get rid of swelling
- Go for a walk: Physical activity aids regular intestinal movement, releasing excess gas and stool.
- Try yoga postures: Some yoga poses promote gas release from the abdomen, reducing swelling.
- Take a warm bath: Heat eases abdominal pain and relaxation, lowers stress, improves gastrointestinal function, and reduces bloating.
- Increase fibre gradually: Start slowly and increase fibre intake over weeks to allow the body to adjust.
- Replace soft drinks with water: Sugars or artificial sweeteners can cause gas; water helps treat constipation.
- Avoid chewing gum: Sugar alcohols in the gum may cause bloating, and swallowing air while chewing can also lead to gas pain.
- Eat at regular intervals: Several smaller meals prevent bloating after large meals, keeping digestion smooth.
- Reduce salt: Excess sodium causes water retention, leading to bloating in the abdomen and other areas.
By following all these tips, you can get bloating relief Immediately.
Prevention of Bloating
Preventing bloating involves making certain lifestyle and dietary changes to support healthy digestion. Here are some effective strategies:
- Eat Smaller Meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones can reduce the likelihood of bloating.
- Chew Food Slowly: Eating too quickly can lead to swallowing air, which contributes to bloating. Take your time to chew thoroughly.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps prevent constipation and flushes out excess sodium, reducing bloating.
- Limit Gas-Producing Foods: Certain foods like beans, broccoli, cabbage, and carbonated drinks can cause gas buildup. Monitor how your body reacts to them.
- Avoid Overeating: Overeating can stretch the stomach and cause bloating. Listen to your body’s hunger cues to avoid this.
- Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity, such as walking or yoga, can improve digestion and reduce bloating by encouraging the movement of gas and stool through the digestive tract.
- Manage Stress: Stress can interfere with digestion, so practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help prevent bloating.
- Identify Food Intolerances: Keep track of foods that trigger bloating, such as dairy or gluten, and avoid them if necessary.
- Eat Fiber-Rich Foods: Gradually incorporate more fiber into your diet to support healthy digestion, but avoid suddenly increasing fiber intake, as it can cause temporary bloating.
- Limit Sodium Intake: High-sodium foods can cause water retention and bloating. Try to reduce processed food and salt intake.
