Abdominal Bloating

There are many possible causes of abdominal bloating, including fluid retention, irritable bowel syndrome and infection. However for most people the cause of bloating will be fairly harmless and it can be treated at home. 

Abdominal bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is filled with air of gas. I will personally describe this as feeling full. My bloating experience was a discomforting one. 

Bloating is often accompanied by pain, excessive gas, frequent belching, and abdominal rumbling. Abdominal bloating can interfere with your ability to work and participate in social activities. Bloating is common among both children and adults. 

Why do you feel bloated?

Gas and Air

Gas is the most common cause of bloating, especially after eating. Gas builds up in the digestive tract when undigested food gets broken down or when you swallow air. Everyone swallows air when they eat or drink but some people can swallow more than others, especially if they are;

* Eating or drinking too fast

* Chewing gum 

* Smoking 

* Fluid Retention

* Eating salty foods, having food intolerances and experiencing changes in hormone levels can cause a person’s body to retain more fluid than it would otherwise. 

Some women find that they are bloated immediately before getting their periods; as bloating can also be one of the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or early in pregnancy. Chronic bloating due to fluid retention could have more serious cause such as diabetes or kidney failures.

Indigestion 

Indigestion, sometimes called dyspepsia, is discomfort or pain in the stomach. Most people experience brief episodes of ingestion from time to time. It is often caused by;

* Eating too much

* Excessive alcohol 

* Medication that irritates the stomach

* A minor stomach infection 

Frequent indigestion that does not appear to be associated with food or other apparent causes could be a sign of something more serious. Possible causes include a stomach ulcer, cancer or liver failure.

Infection 

Stomach infections can cause gas, which may also be accompanied by; diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. These are often due to bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Helicobacter pylori or a viral infection such as rotavirus.

Food Intolerance

Some people become bloated after eating certain foods. For example, people who are lactose intolerant, or who have gluten allergy. The bloating usually goes away on its own but may be linked to diarrhea or stomach pain. 

Treatments to Prevent Bloating

* Avoid chewing gum. 

Chewing gum can cause you to swallow extra air, which in turn can lead to bloating.

* Limit your intake of carbonated drinks. 

* Avoid foods that causes gas, such as vegetables in the cabbage family, dried beans and lentils.

* Eat slowly and avoid drinking through a straw.

* Use lactose free dairy products (if you are lactose intolerant).

Probiotics may also help with repopulating healthy gut bacteria. Research is mixed on the effectiveness of probiotics. One review found that probiotics have a moderate effect with a 70% agreement in its effect on bloating relief. You can find probiotics in yogurt and kefir.

 When to see your Doctor

Consult your doctor when bloating is accompanied by the following;

* High fever

* Diarrhea

* Vomiting

* Unexplained weight loss

* Prolonged or severe abdominal pain

Abdominal bloating can be discomforting. For most people, the cause can be treated at home. A person should speak to a doctor if the symptoms get worse or do not go away after few days.

Thanks for reading!

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Article By:

Iyiola Grace Omowumi 

Food, Nutrients & Health.

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References:

Healthline

Medical News

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