- Bloating is characterized by a sensation of fullness or distention in your stomach.
- It’s a very common experience for many people.
- Diet is frequently implicated as a cause of bloating and gas.
- Persistent bloating warrants a visit to your doctor to rule out conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
What is Bloating?
Bloating is the uncomfortable feeling of your abdomen being swollen, stretched, or full. It can often be accompanied by a sense of being gassy or simply overly full.
Bloating is a more prevalent issue among women compared to men.
This article will specifically address bloating that arises from intestinal gas.
Symptoms Associated with Bloating
If you’re experiencing bloating, you might also encounter:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Burping
- Flatulence (passing gas)
Women may find bloating symptoms are more pronounced in the days leading up to their menstrual periods.
What are the Common Causes of Bloating?
Bloating can stem from a variety of factors, with the majority being non-serious.
Gas accumulation in your digestive system can occur when you:
- Consume certain types of food
- Swallow excessive air due to eating too quickly
- Drink carbonated beverages or frequently chew gum
Recurring bloating may be indicative of underlying conditions such as:
Diagnosing the Cause of Bloating
Your doctor will start by discussing your symptoms, including their duration. They’ll want to understand what factors might alleviate or worsen your symptoms. Expect questions about your dietary habits and family health history.
A physical examination will follow, and your doctor may recommend tests like blood work or stool sample analysis.
Referrals to specialists like a dietitian or a gastroenterologist (a specialist in digestive system disorders) might be suggested.
In some instances, procedures such as a gastroscopy or colonoscopy might be recommended. These involve using a flexible tube with a camera to visualize your digestive tract, allowing for biopsies (tissue samples) to be taken if needed.
Bloating can sometimes be a symptom of other health issues. Your doctor may order an ultrasound or other imaging tests to eliminate other potential causes.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Bloating
If your bloating is persistent and doesn’t improve, it’s advisable to consult your doctor.
Seek medical attention promptly if bloating is accompanied by:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Persistent or severe abdominal pain
- Blood in your stool
- Changes in bowel movements
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Fever
How is Bloating Treated?
Treatment for bloating is guided by identifying and addressing the underlying cause.
Diet
Making adjustments to your diet can be a helpful strategy for managing bloating.
It’s crucial to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes or eliminating food groups. However, pay attention to foods that seem to aggravate your bloating and discuss these observations with your healthcare provider.
If constipation is contributing to your bloating, consider:
- Increasing your intake of high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Drinking more water to stay adequately hydrated.
- Engaging in regular physical exercise.
Medicines and Supplements for Bloating
Your doctor may suggest medications to help alleviate your bloating. Depending on the cause, these might include:
- Laxatives to relieve constipation
- Medications that aid digestion
- Fiber supplements
- Dietary and herbal supplements
Emerging research suggests that modifying your gut microbiome can positively impact bloating. Your doctor might recommend probiotics or dietary adjustments to improve your gut health.
Other Treatment Options
For some types of bloating, psychological or behavioral therapies can be beneficial. These may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Gut-directed hypnotherapy
Discuss with your doctor whether these therapeutic approaches could be helpful for your specific situation.
Resources and Support
For bloating related to diet, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or food intolerances, Dietitians Australia (https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/) offers valuable information. Their search tool can help you locate a dietitian: https://member.dietitiansaustralia.org.au/faapd.
Nutrition Australia (https://nutritionaustralia.org/) provides additional insights into the gut microbiome and tips for promoting gut health.
The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) (https://www.gesa.org.au/) offers information on conditions affecting your digestive system.
For immediate health advice, you can contact the healthdirect helpline at 1800 022 222 (in Australia). A registered nurse is available 24/7.
