Understanding Bloating: Causes, Diagnosis 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.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionCauses 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
- Pre-menstrual 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.
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:
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentTreatment for Bloating
- Treatments for abdominal distention and pain target the underlying condition.
- Examples include antibiotics for infections and bowel rest for bowel obstruction.
- Medications may be prescribed to stimulate bowel movement if there's a deficiency in gastrointestinal tract movement.
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 and Prevention of Bloating
Quick 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.
Citations:
Abdominal Bloating
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Causes Bloating In The Stomach?
Gas is the most common cause of bloating, particularly after eating. Gas builds up in the digestive tract when undigested food is broken down or when you swallow air.
2. Why am I so exhausted and tired all the time?
Bloating, nausea and fatigue can occur due to a wide range of causes. Temporary explanations may include eating rich or salty foods, overeating, or short-term stress.
3. Does coffee cause bloat?
Coffee can cause temporary bloating. Coffee of any kind "can over-excite the digestive tract and can stimulate spasms in the gut that cause bloating." Fortunately, the swelling is temporary.
4. Can bloating make you feel weak?
Bloating or fullness, fatigue, increased gas flow, and muscle weakness can occur. Some causes include irritation of the intestines or indigestion.
