Bloating is a condition where your stomach feels full, causing discomfort. Often, bloating is felt in the upper abdomen. It can be a sign of improper eating habits or an underlying health issue, which may interfere with daily activities.
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What Is Bloating?
Bloating occurs when the stomach or digestive tract is excessively filled, making the abdomen feel tight and painful. It is often accompanied by a visibly larger stomach. The main causes of bloating are gas buildup or fluid retention, which usually resolve on their own within a few hours.
However, some conditions can lead to frequent gas buildup, causing recurrent bloating.
Causes of Bloating
Digestive issues often lead to gas accumulation, which results in bloating. Some common causes include:
1. Constipation
Constipation is a common cause of bloating. When stool remains in the intestines for too long, bacteria continue to interact with it, producing gas that leads to bloating.
2. Excess Air Swallowing
Swallowing too much air, often due to poor eating habits such as eating too quickly, chewing gum, smoking, or using loose dentures, can contribute to bloating.
3. Gut Bacteria Imbalance
Excessive bacterial growth in the intestines can lead to gas production, resulting in bloating.
4. Stomach Disorders
Conditions like acid reflux (GERD) or gastritis can cause excess stomach acid, leading to gas buildup and bloating.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD can cause bacterial imbalances in the gut, leading to excessive gas production and bloating.
6. Food Intolerance
Certain foods, especially those containing gluten or lactose, can cause digestive issues and bloating in individuals with intolerances.
7. Weight Gain
Significant weight gain can affect stomach volume, causing bloating due to fat accumulation around the abdomen.
8. Menstrual Cycle
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can slow digestion and increase visceral hypersensitivity, leading to bloating.
Other less common causes of bloating include:
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Gastroparesis
- Intestinal obstruction
- Abdominal and pelvic cancers (e.g., stomach, pancreatic, liver, colon, and uterine cancer)
Symptoms of Bloating
Bloating itself is a symptom, but it can be accompanied by:
- A tight and full stomach
- Discomfort in the abdomen
- Frequent belching or passing gas
- Nausea
How to Overcome Bloating
The treatment of bloating depends on its cause. If caused by poor eating habits, bloating usually subsides within a few hours or days. If due to constipation, relief often comes after a bowel movement.
Here are some ways to relieve bloating:
- Drink herbal tea like ginger, chamomile, or peppermint
- Eat and drink slowly
- Take antacids for stomach issues
- Consume probiotics
- Increase fiber intake from fruits and vegetables
- Avoid gas-producing foods, carbonated drinks, and high-sugar beverages
- Limit dairy products if lactose-intolerant
- Stop smoking
- Eat moderate portions
- Maintain a healthy weight
These measures can also help prevent bloating. However, if bloating persists despite lifestyle changes, it may indicate a more serious health condition, such as gastritis or other digestive issues.
Consult a specialist in internal medicine or a gastroenterology and hepatology consultant for further evaluation. Visit the Digestive and Liver Center at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. Contact us via WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play and App Store to schedule a consultation.
