Abdominal bloating is usually a result of excess gas buildup in the large intestine (colon) that causes a distended abdomen. The colon bends a lot, and when air (gas) gets trapped in the bends, it may cause bloating, cramps, or sharp pains.
Symptoms of bloating include:
- Abdominal distention
- The feeling of fullness in the belly
- Gas (flatulence)
- Belching
Bloating may be serious if symptoms persist or bloating is accompanied by:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel habits
- Diarrhea
- Blood in stool
- Needing to go more frequently
- Fatigue
- Appetite changes
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling full when eating less
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Fever
See a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
What Causes Bloating?
Causes of bloating include:
- Eating foods such as beans, some fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and wheat
- Drinking carbonated beverages
- Swallowing air, which can occur while eating, drinking, or smoking
- Constipation
- Gastroparesis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Conditions that harm the digestive system
- Some gynecological conditions
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
How Is Bloating Diagnosed?
Bloating not an illness it itself but is a symptom of another underlying condition. Tests used to diagnose the cause of bloating may include:
- Blood tests to check for gluten intolerance
- Breath test to check for lactose intolerance or over-growth of bacteria in the intestines
- Stool tests to check for blood, fat levels, and other things
- X-rays of the intestines
- Upper endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Pelvic examination in women
How Do You Get Rid of Bloating?
Treatment for bloating depends on the cause and may include:
- Dietary changes
- Lactase supplements to help digest dairy products such as Lactaid
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
- Simethicone (Maalox Anti-Gas, Mylanta Gas, Gas-X, or Phazyme) to help break up gas bubbles in the intestines
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to help ease gas
- Beano to help digest beans and some vegetables
- Digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease, or HCL to help relieve bloating
- Don’t smoke
- Prescription medicines
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References
Image Source: iStock Images
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/gas-and-bloating-the-basics?search=Bloating&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/bloating-causes-and-prevention-tips
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=aa109116
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/gas-and-bloating-the-basics?search=Bloating&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/bloating-causes-and-prevention-tips
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=aa109116