What are the warning signs of a bloated stomach that shouldn’t be ignored. How can you differentiate between harmless bloating and more serious conditions. When should you seek medical attention for stomach bloating and nausea.

Understanding Bloated Stomach: Causes and Symptoms

A bloated stomach occurs when the stomach or intestines fill with air or gas, leading to physical discomfort, pain, nausea, and decreased appetite. While often harmless, persistent bloating can sometimes indicate underlying health issues that require attention.

Common causes of stomach bloating include:

• Swallowing air while eating
• Consuming gas-producing foods
• Smoking
• Chewing gum
• Certain medications (e.g. sleeping pills, antidepressants)
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Systemic conditions like thyroid disorders or diabetes

Typical symptoms accompanying a bloated stomach include:

• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Feeling of fullness
• Swollen stomach, especially after eating
• Nausea
• Excessive flatulence
• Temporary relief after belching or passing gas

Distinguishing Between Harmless Bloating and Serious Conditions

How can you tell if your bloating is a sign of something more serious? While occasional bloating is normal, certain symptoms may indicate an underlying health issue requiring medical attention:

• Bloating persisting for more than 2 weeks despite medication
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pale skin
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)

These symptoms, especially when combined with persistent bloating, can be warning signs of more serious conditions, including certain cancers. It’s crucial not to ignore these red flags and to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Stomach Bloating

Diet and lifestyle factors play a significant role in the occurrence of stomach bloating. Understanding these factors can help manage and prevent bloating episodes:

Dietary Factors

• Eating too quickly
• Consuming large portions
• Drinking carbonated beverages
• High intake of salty foods
• Excessive carbohydrate consumption

Lifestyle Factors

• Sedentary behavior (sitting for long periods)
• Lack of regular exercise
• Stress and anxiety
• Poor sleep habits

Addressing these factors through mindful eating, regular physical activity, and stress management techniques can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of bloating episodes.

Medical Conditions Associated with Chronic Bloating

Persistent bloating can be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions. Understanding these potential causes can help in seeking appropriate medical care:

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Gastritis
• Gastric ulcers
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Celiac disease
• Intestinal obstruction

Systemic Conditions

• Thyroid disorders
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

Infections

• Parasitic infections
• Helicobacter pylori infection

Cancers

• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Ovarian cancer (in women)

If you experience chronic bloating along with other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Effective Self-Management Strategies for Bloating

While persistent or severe bloating requires medical attention, there are several self-management strategies that can help alleviate mild to moderate bloating:

1. Dietary modifications:
   • Avoid high-fat, difficult-to-digest foods
   • Eat smaller, more frequent meals
   • Chew food thoroughly
   • Limit intake of gas-producing foods (e.g., beans, cabbage, onions)
2. Regular exercise:
   • Engage in moderate physical activity daily
   • Avoid prolonged periods of sitting
3. Stress management:
   • Practice relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, meditation)
   • Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic stress
4. Over-the-counter remedies:
   • Use carminatives or digestive aids as directed
   • Try probiotics to support gut health

Remember, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks despite these measures, consult a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bloating

While occasional bloating is common, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. Seek professional help if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent bloating lasting more than two weeks
• Bloating accompanied by fever
• Blood in stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

These symptoms could indicate serious underlying conditions requiring prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

Diagnostic Approaches for Chronic Bloating

When investigating persistent bloating, healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools and techniques:

Medical History and Physical Examination

A thorough review of your symptoms, medical history, and a physical exam can provide valuable insights into potential causes of bloating.

Laboratory Tests

• Blood tests to check for infections, inflammation, or organ dysfunction
• Stool tests to detect parasites or abnormal bacteria
• Food intolerance tests

Imaging Studies

• Abdominal X-rays
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI

Endoscopic Procedures

• Upper endoscopy to examine the upper digestive tract
• Colonoscopy to examine the large intestine

Specialized Tests

• Hydrogen breath test for lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• Gastric emptying studies to assess digestive motility

The choice of diagnostic tests depends on your specific symptoms and medical history. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate approach for your situation.

Treatment Options for Chronic Bloating

Treatment for chronic bloating varies depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Dietary Modifications

• Elimination diets to identify food intolerances
• Low FODMAP diet for IBS-related bloating
• Gluten-free diet for celiac disease

Medications

• Antispasmodics for abdominal cramps
• Prokinetics to improve gut motility
• Antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth or infections
• Antidepressants for gut-brain axis disorders

Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes

These supplements can help restore gut balance and improve digestion in some cases.

Psychological Interventions

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Stress management techniques

Surgical Interventions

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to address structural issues causing chronic bloating.

The most effective treatment plan will be tailored to your specific condition and needs. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.

Preventing Bloating: Long-term Strategies for Gut Health

While not all cases of bloating can be prevented, adopting certain lifestyle habits can significantly reduce its occurrence and promote overall gut health:

Dietary Habits

• Eat slowly and mindfully
• Chew food thoroughly
• Avoid overeating
• Stay hydrated
• Limit intake of known gas-producing foods
• Consider keeping a food diary to identify trigger foods

Lifestyle Modifications

• Engage in regular physical activity
• Practice stress-reduction techniques
• Maintain a healthy sleep schedule
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption

Gut Health Support

• Consider probiotic supplements or fermented foods
• Consume a diet rich in fiber
• Stay on top of any existing digestive conditions

Remember, everyone’s digestive system is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. It may take some trial and error to find the best prevention strategies for your individual needs.

By understanding the causes, recognizing warning signs, and implementing effective management strategies, you can take control of your digestive health and minimize the impact of bloating on your daily life. Always consult with a healthcare professional for persistent or concerning symptoms to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Signs that shouldn’t be ignored

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Gastrointestinal disease

HIGHLIGHTS:

• A bloated stomach that lasts longer than 2 weeks after taking medications, weight loss, pale skin, loss of appetite and yellowing of the skin can be warning signs of cancer.
• Sitting too long without exercise can contribute to stomach bloating.

Although a bloated stomach is a common symptom that is not harmless, it can actually be a sign of something serious. A bloated stomach that lasts longer than 2 weeks after taking medications, weight loss, pale skin, loss of appetite and yellowing of the skin can be warning signs of cancer. Bloating should not be ignored.

A bloated stomach occurs when the stomach or intestine fills with air/gas, causing physical discomfort, stomach pain, nausea or poor appetite. Air or gas in the stomach is typically caused by swallowing air while eating certain types of foods, smoking and chewing gum. Some medications can cause bloating as a side effect, such as sleeping pills, sedatives and antidepressants which influence the nervous system in a way that can lessen bowel contractions, resulting in bloating.

Some people have a bloated stomach for a long period of time due to gastrointestinal tract disease, including gastritis, gastric ulcer, gastrointestinal or colorectal cancer, parasitic infection, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal dysfunction, and other system disorders such as thyroid and diabetes, which can contribute to stomach bloating that requires detailed examinations.

Are bloated stomachs and stomach fullness the same or different?

A bloated stomach and stomach fullness are symptoms of having excessive gas in the stomach, causing discomfort, a feeling of fullness, a swollen stomach after a meal, nausea, excessive flatulence, and feeling better after belching or passing wind.

Treatment

If you have the above symptoms without warning signs, you can use carminatives or medications that help with digestion, and change dietary habits. However, if the symptoms last longer than 2 weeks after taking medications, please consult a doctor for detection of the cause of the symptoms.

Basic Self-Management

• Avoid high-fat foods that are difficult to digest.
• Do not eat a big meal.
• Chew food thoroughly.
• Sitting too long without exercise can contribute to stomach bloating. Exercise regularly.

Do not leave a “bloated stomach” untreated. Although bloating is a common symptom that is not harmless, it can actually be a sign of something serious or lead to other conditions.

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Benjarat Promjunyakul, M.D.

Gastroenterology

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Causes and what to do

If a person is bloated, nauseous, and tired, changing their eating habits may help. However, if these symptoms persist, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

People with a bloated stomach, nausea, and tiredness may find their stomach feels enlarged, tight, and uncomfortably full.

They may have a stomach ache or pass more gas than usual. In some cases, salty foods and carbohydrates can make someone feel sleepy or bloated.

In this article, we look at the causes of bloating, nausea, and tiredness, and what people can do to relieve these symptoms.

Share on PinterestEating habits, constipation, stress, and other medical conditions may lead to bloating, nausea, and tiredness.

There are many reasons why a person might have a bloated stomach and be feeling sick and tired. Read on for some potential causes.

Eating habits

There are several ways a person’s eating habits and diet can contribute to feeling bloated, nauseous, or tired.

These include:

• eating too quickly
• eating large portions
• drinking carbonated drinks
• eating foods high in salt
• eating a lot of carbohydrates

Eating moderate portions of food slowly and mindfully may aid digestion and ease symptoms.

Constipation

Constipation occurs when someone has less frequent bowel movements than usual. The bowel movements they do have may feel difficult, uncomfortable, or painful.

Other symptoms of constipation include:

• bloating
• feeling sluggish
• stomach pain

According to John Hopkins Medicine, constipation is the most common digestive condition in the United States.

Constipation has a range of causes, including:

• sudden changes in diet or lifestyle
• pregnancy
• dehydration
• not eating enough fiber
• medication that has constipation as a side effect

Treatment for constipation depends on the cause but often involves dietary and lifestyle changes. If these do not work, a doctor may prescribe a laxative.

Stress

Stress and anxiety can affect the nerves of the digestive system, slowing down the movements of the intestines. This may cause people to feel bloated, nauseous, and tired.

Stress can also contribute to constipation, as well as other gastrointestinal conditions.

The American Institute of Stress list a wide range of other symptoms that stress can cause, including:

• nervous habits, such as fidgeting
• muscle tension or pain
• cold or sweaty hands and feet
• insomnia or nightmares
• headaches or jaw clenching
• changes in appetite
• frequent illness, such as colds or flu

Stress can be difficult to manage. However, there are many ways someone can relieve stress, such as:

• deep breathing exercises
• yoga or meditation
• journaling
• prayer
• massage or self-massage

It is a good idea for people to experiment with different stress management techniques to find what helps.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when too many bacteria grow in the small intestine.

SIBO can cause:

• bloating and gas
• diarrhea or constipation
• stomach pain
• nausea
• fatigue

People with SIBO often have low motility, meaning the small intestine does not push food through the digestive tract as it should.

Diverticulitis, abdominal surgery, and adhesions can also make SIBO more likely.

There are several types of SIBO, and the type someone has will determine their treatment. Doctors may prescribe an antibiotic or combination of antibiotics.

People with SIBO may feel relief from symptoms by following a low FODMAP diet.

FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These are compounds that bacteria ferment, sometimes causing SIBO symptoms.

Learn more about the low FODMAP diet.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) describes a group of symptoms that affect the gastrointestinal tract, including:

• abdominal pain and cramping
• diarrhea or constipation
• bloating
• white mucus in stools

Because of the range of causes, treatment for IBS varies. The low FODMAP diet, reducing stress, and medications that alleviate the symptoms can help someone manage the condition.

A variety of factors can cause IBS. Stress, early life trauma, and bacterial infections may play a role. Some people with IBS also have SIBO, food intolerances, or mental health conditions.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis means stomach paralysis and occurs when the stomach cannot contract. This causes food to sit in the stomach, disrupting digestion.

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, gastoparesis can cause the following symptoms:

• bloating
• nausea
• feeling full quickly
• heartburn
• vomiting
• abdominal pain

Abdominal pain of gastroparesis occurs under the ribs, especially in the center of the upper abdomen.

As a result of these symptoms, a person may lose weight or not get enough nutrients, which can result in tiredness.

People often manage gastroparesis by changing their diet. Foods high in fat or fiber take longer to digest. Switching to softer foods, such as nutritional drinks, soups, and stews, can help.

Dumping syndrome

Dumping syndrome happens when food empties from the stomach too quickly.

The International Foundation Gastrointestinal Disorders state that dumping syndrome can occur after people have had surgery to remove part of the stomach. It may also occur in people with other digestive conditions.

Along with bloating, nausea, and fatigue, the symptoms of dumping syndrome include:

• abdominal cramping
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• dizziness
• cold sweats

Symptoms may appear during or straight after eating, or 1–3 hours after eating. Dietary changes can often help people to relieve symptoms.

Changes can include:

• eating smaller meals more frequently
• increasing complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains
• increasing foods high in soluble fiber, such as apples, carrots, and oats
• increasing protein

It can help to talk to a dietician so that a person with dumping syndrome can maintain their weight.

Ovarian cancer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), persistent bloating for 2 weeks or more can be a sign of ovarian cancer in females.

People may also experience:

• unusual vaginal bleeding
• pelvic pain or pressure
• feeling full quickly while eating
• difficulty eating
• constipation or more frequent bowel movements
• more frequent urination

If people have any of these symptoms, they should see their doctor right away. A doctor can request tests to determine if these symptoms are due to cancer or another condition.

In mild or temporary cases of bloating, nausea, and tiredness, a person may find their symptoms resolve with rest, bowel movements, or passing gas.

Home remedies and lifestyle changes can also help relieve symptoms. These include:

• eating smaller meals more regularly
• eating slowly and mindfully, chewing thoroughly
• trying to reduce stress
• drinking enough water throughout the day
• reducing processed foods, which can be high in fat and salt
• stopping smoking or drinking alcohol that can cause heartburn

Depending on the underlying cause, people may find increasing or decreasing fiber intake helps ease symptoms. People can talk to a healthcare professional to work out a helpful fiber intake.

If someone has persistent symptoms of SIBO or IBS after meals, they can try the low FODMAP diet to see if it eases their symptoms.

People should see their doctor if they have experienced persistent bloating for 2 weeks or more. People should also see their doctor if they have:

• unexplained weight loss
• persistent or severe abdominal pain
• blood in their urine or stool
• changes in the color of frequency of bowel movements
• loss of appetite or feeling full quickly

Bloating, nausea, and tiredness can occur due to a wide range of causes. Temporary explanations can include eating rich or salty meals, eating too much, or short-term stress. Longer-term causes include conditions such as IBS, SIBO, and gastroparesis.

People may feel an improvement in symptoms by changing their diet, eating habits, and by reducing stress if possible. However, for persistent or severe symptoms, a person can seek help from a doctor.

Abdominal pain – find out the cause!

There can be many causes of abdominal pain and some of them can be seriously life threatening.

Therefore, do not get carried away with self-treatment – traditional medicine or over-the-counter medicines. It is necessary to consult a doctor, since only a specialist is able to determine the exact diagnosis.
From the point of view of a gastroenterologist, there are quite a few places where the source of pain can be – the stomach, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, etc. However, abdominal pain can also be caused by muscle tissue or nerve endings, which are directly related to problem areas of the spine. Pain can also be caused by pneumonia, a heart attack, or other health problems.

Abdominal pain should be taken very seriously, as it may indicate a malfunction in the functioning of internal organs. Gastroenterologist Medicīnas centrs ARS , certified endoscopist Dr. Sabri ABDELMASI.

• Pain in the abdomen and in the left hypochondrium can cause pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas (quite often after parties and feasts).
• Helicobacter pylori infection, gastritis or ulcer.
• Abdominal bloating because gases build up pressure and cramps occur.
• Pain may indicate a serious problem, such as a blockage in the colon. This can be caused by some kind of neoplasm or psychological problems that inhibit bowel function.
• Very severe, attacks, pain in the right hypochondrium with severe chills and nausea to vomiting is most often associated with problems in the gallbladder.
• One of the most common causes of abdominal pain is the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. For example, a person often has a headache and therefore regularly uses painkillers. Strong painkillers are also used for injuries. For the stomach, there is no difference how medicines are taken (injected or in the form of tablets) – the irritation is the same. If special medicines that protect the digestive tract are not used to protect the mucous surface of the stomach, then it becomes inflamed and hurts. Soon, extensive inflammation occurs, damage develops on the mucous surface, there may be bleeding, an ulcer occurs. Regular use of aspirin has a very negative effect on the stomach and small intestine.

What to do?

Acute pain. If the pain in the abdomen is severe, attacks and does not go away, there is sweating, a feeling of heaviness in the heart, weakness, fever, vomiting with blood, diarrhea (several times a day) with / without blood, bleeding – then urgently required call for emergency medical attention. There is a possibility that the cause of the pain may be internal bleeding, a deep ulcer, a severe infection or poisoning, which seriously threatens human life.

Chronic pain. If the pain in the abdomen is chronic and not particularly disturbing, a consultation with a doctor is required and an in-depth examination is necessary so that there are no life-threatening risks in the development of the disease. Especially if recently there has been, for example, an incomprehensible weight loss or a variable nature of defecation (diarrhea is replaced by constipation) – this can be a serious signal that you need to check and make sure that there is no malignant neoplasm. Unfortunately, people often come to the doctor late. If something hurts in the stomach from time to time, it is better to check once than to suffer in ignorance – what is there?

Methods of examination:

• Laboratory tests of blood and urine, which reveal the presence of inflammation, infection or other pathological changes, if any.
• If gallbladder problems are suspected, ultrasonography (ultrasound) and computed tomography (CT) are needed.
• For pain and burning sensation in the stomach, pain in the upper abdomen, vomiting with blood, if an ulcer or neoplasm is suspected, gastroscopy is performed and the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (initial site) are examined. AT Medical centrs ARS this examination is carried out using a new generation of video endoscopic equipment Olympus EVIS EXERA III , which allows not only to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenal mucosa in detail, but also to simultaneously carry out diagnostics and medical manipulations, for example, remove polyps, treat a bleeding ulcer, conduct a biopsy – take samples of mucous tissues to assess the risk of tumors, and also clarify the presence of a heliobacterial infection.
• If abdominal pain is localized in the lower part, there is a painful bowel movement with an admixture of blood, painful cramps that arose due to bloating, constipation – then a colonoscopy is necessary, which will allow a qualified assessment of the mucous membrane of the colon and rectum. This is also carried out using the latest generation video endoscopy equipment Olympus EVIS EXERA III . The procedure is painless and at the same time it is possible to carry out various diagnostic and therapeutic manipulations, for example, take a sample of mucous tissue for analysis, perform a polypectomy – remove polyps, stop bleeding, etc. To get rid of any discomfort, light, short-term anesthesia is used.

12 Possible Causes of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a common complaint and can be caused or exacerbated by many factors. We present to your attention the 12 most common reasons for this.

1. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)

In this case, abdominal pain is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting and loose stools. It is most commonly caused by bacteria or viruses, and symptoms usually resolve within a few days.

2. Gassing

Gas occurs when bacteria in the small intestine digest certain foods. Increased gas pressure in the intestines can cause acute pain. Gas can also cause flatulence and belching.

3. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

For unknown reasons, individuals with IBS are unable to digest certain types of foods. Abdominal pain is a major symptom for many IBS patients and often resolves after a bowel movement. Other common symptoms include gas, nausea, cramps, and bloating.

4. Acid reflux

Acid reflux is a condition in which acidic stomach contents enter the esophagus. This process is almost always accompanied by burning and pain. Acid reflux also causes symptoms such as bloating or cramps.

5. Gastritis

When the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or destroyed, pain occurs. Nausea, vomiting, gas, and bloating are other common symptoms of gastritis.

6. Constipation

When bowel problems occur, pressure on the large intestine increases, which may be accompanied by pain.

7. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD is a chronic relapsing disease caused by spontaneous, regularly repeated reflux of gastric and/or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to damage to the lower esophagus. GERD can cause stomach pain as well as heartburn and nausea.

8. Ulcers

Ulcers (peptic or gastric) usually cause severe and prolonged abdominal pain. The most common causes of ulcers are the bacteria H. pylori and excessive and/or long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

9. Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to pain, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Given its chronic nature, this condition can lead to malnutrition, causing weight loss and emaciation.

10. Celiac disease

Allergy to gluten, a protein found in grain products, causes inflammation in the small intestine. This, in turn, is accompanied by pain.

11. Menstrual cramps or endometriosis

Menstruation may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Bloating, gas, cramps, and constipation can also occur during menstruation, causing discomfort. Patients with endometriosis may experience severe or chronic pain due to inflammation.

12. Urinary tract and bladder infections

Urinary tract infections are most commonly caused by bacteria. Symptoms include pain, pressure in the lower abdomen, and bloating. Most infections cause painful urination.

Unusual and more serious causes

In some cases, abdominal pain is a symptom of a serious illness that, if left untreated, can be fatal.