Bloating Symptoms: Causes, Prevention and Treatments

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 a 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 usually 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 due to 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:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Bloody stools
• Severe and frequent vomiting

Liquid Retention

• Eating salty foods
• Food intolerances
• Hormonal Changes
• Premenstrual swelling
• Early pregnancy swelling

Food Intolerances

Some people get bloated after eating some 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
• Perforation of the GI tract

Symptoms of Bloating

• Abdominal Fullness or Swelling: A feeling of fullness or tightness in the stomach, usually after eating.
• Visible Distension: The abdomen may appear visibly swollen or puffed up.
• Excess Gas: Increased burping or flatulence may accompany bloating.
• Stomach Pain or Discomfort: Bloating can cause cramping, sharp pain, or discomfort.
• Feeling of Heaviness: Especially after meals.
• Indigestion: Difficulty digesting food.
• Loss of Appetite: Even if you haven't eaten much.
• Nausea: Especially when other digestive issues accompany bloating.

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.

When to Visit a Doctor?

You don't need to see a doctor for occasional bloating or gas. However, consult your doctor if:

• Remedies or changes in eating habits do not help.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• No appetite.
• Chronic constipation, diarrhea or vomiting.
• Persistent bloating, gas or heartburn.
• Blood or mucus in stool.
• Major changes in bowel movements.
• Symptoms interfere with daily life.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention if

• Abdominal pain is severe
• Diarrhea is severe
• You have chest pain
• You have a high fever

Diagnosis of Bloating

• In-office physical exam
• Questions about symptoms and frequency
• Complete Blood Count: Checks for infection or blood loss.
• Urine Test: For urinary tract issues or pregnancy (in women).
• Stool Analysis: To detect infections or digestive issues.
• Imaging Test: MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopic imaging, X-Ray, or CT scan.

Treatment of Bloating

• Antibiotics for Infections: For bacterial overgrowth or foodborne illness.
• Bowel Rest for Obstruction: May require fasting or surgery in some cases.
• Medications to Stimulate Bowel Movement: Includes laxatives or prokinetic agents.
• Probiotics: Supplements or fermented foods to restore gut flora.
• Antispasmodic Medications: Like hyoscine or dicyclomine for abdominal cramps.
• Digestive Enzymes: Lactase or pancreatic enzyme supplements.
• Dietary Adjustments: Low-FODMAP diet or avoiding trigger foods.
• Hydration and Salt Management: Drink water and limit salt intake.

Home Remedies for Bloating

• Ginger Tea: Helps digestion and gas relief.
• Peppermint: Relaxes digestive muscles.
• Warm Water with Lemon: Flushes the digestive system.
• Fennel Seeds: Relieve trapped gas.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Aids digestion.
• Light Physical Activity: Walking or yoga after meals.
• Avoid Carbonated Drinks: Reduce gas intake.
• Limit Salt Intake: Prevents water retention.

Prevention of Bloating

• Eat smaller meals
• Chew food slowly
• Stay hydrated
• Limit gas-producing foods
• Avoid overeating
• Exercise regularly
• Manage stress
• Identify food intolerances
• Eat fiber-rich foods gradually
• Limit sodium intake