What are the causes of abdominal bloating and pain? What are the possible treatments for these issues? Find the answers here.

Causes of Abdominal Bloating and Pain

Abdominal bloating and pain can arise from a variety of underlying conditions, ranging from minor to severe. Some of the common causes include:

• Lactose intolerance: Difficulty digesting the sugar found in dairy products can lead to gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
• Acid reflux: When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, it can cause a burning sensation and bloating.
• Constipation: Difficulty passing stool can result in abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness.
• Intestinal obstruction: A blockage in the digestive tract can prevent the normal flow of digested food, leading to bloating and pain.
• Dyspepsia (indigestion): Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often after eating, can cause bloating.
• Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines can lead to bloating, pain, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can contribute to bloating and abdominal discomfort.
• Celiac disease or gluten intolerance: An inability to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can cause bloating and pain.
• Hiatal hernia: A condition where part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm, which can lead to acid reflux and bloating.
• H. Pylori infection: Bacteria that can infect the stomach lining and cause inflammation, leading to bloating and pain.
• Colic and crying: Excessive crying in infants can cause gas and abdominal discomfort.
• Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract can result in bloating and pain.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition that can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating and abdominal pain.
• Ovarian cyst: A fluid-filled sac on the ovary can cause abdominal pain and bloating.
• E. coli infection: Bacteria that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating and pain.
• Gallstones: Hardened deposits in the gallbladder can lead to abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Endometriosis: A condition where the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, which can cause pelvic pain and bloating.
• Hernia: A protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the abdominal wall can result in pain and bloating.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI): Infection of the urinary tract can sometimes cause referred pain in the abdomen.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix can lead to severe abdominal pain and bloating.
• Ulcerative colitis: An inflammatory bowel disease that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
• Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, which can cause abdominal pain and bloating.
• Crohn’s disease: Another inflammatory bowel disease that can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and other digestive issues.
• Peritonitis: Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, which can cause severe abdominal pain and bloating.
• Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by a parasitic protozoan that can result in bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
• Amebiasis: An infection caused by a parasite that can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
• Stomach cancer: In rare cases, abdominal bloating and pain can be a symptom of stomach cancer.
• Ovarian cancer: Abdominal bloating and pain can be a sign of ovarian cancer in some cases.
• Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause digestive issues, including bloating and abdominal pain.
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: A type of cancer that can sometimes cause abdominal bloating and pain.
• Short bowel syndrome: A condition where the small intestine is shorter than normal, which can lead to digestive problems and abdominal discomfort.

Symptoms and Characteristics of Abdominal Bloating and Pain

Abdominal bloating and pain can present in a variety of ways. The abdomen may appear larger or swollen, and it may feel hard or tight to the touch. Discomfort and pain can range from mild to severe, and the location of the pain can provide clues about the underlying cause.

Pain in different areas of the abdomen can indicate different things:

• Left side: This part of the abdomen contains the stomach, pancreas, and spleen. Pain or bloating here may be related to conditions affecting these organs.
• Center and middle: The small intestine and transverse colon occupy this region, so issues with digestion or the large intestine could cause discomfort here.
• Lower left: The descending and sigmoid colon are located in this area, so problems with the lower intestines may manifest as pain or bloating.
• Upper middle: This region contains the liver, stomach, and pancreas, so conditions affecting these organs may result in discomfort in this area.

The type of pain can also provide clues. Abdominal pain can be described as cramp-like, achy, dull, or sharp, depending on the underlying cause.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Abdominal bloating and pain are common and often not a cause for concern, especially if they resolve within a few hours. However, there are some situations where it’s important to seek medical care:

• Abdominal pain and bloating that occurs after nearly every meal
• Accompanying nausea or vomiting
• Painful bowel movements or painful sexual intercourse
• Sudden or severe abdominal pain
• Excessive or uncontrolled vomiting
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Loss of consciousness
• No bowel movements for three days
• Uncontrolled diarrhea

If you experience any of these concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly, as they may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt treatment.

Treatments for Abdominal Bloating and Pain

The treatment for abdominal bloating and pain will depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatment approaches include:

• Antibiotics: For infections, such as bacterial overgrowth or a urinary tract infection.
• Bowel rest: Decreasing oral intake to allow the digestive system to rest, which may be recommended for intestinal obstructions.
• Medications: Prescribing drugs to encourage intestinal movement, such as prokinetic agents, if there’s a deficiency in moving contents through the GI tract.
• Surgery: In severe cases, such as a hernia or intestinal obstruction, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause.

In addition to medical treatments, there are some home remedies that may help alleviate abdominal bloating and pain:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or other clear fluids to help reduce discomfort.
• Avoid pain medications: Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs should be avoided if the cause of the pain is unknown, as they can worsen certain conditions.
• Eat bland, soft foods: Try rice, applesauce, or other easy-to-digest options to give your digestive system a break.
• Try over-the-counter remedies: Gas-reducing medications, such as simethicone drops or digestive enzymes, may help provide relief.

Preventing Abdominal Bloating and Pain

While some causes of abdominal bloating and pain are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk and frequency of these issues:

• Avoid trigger foods: If you know certain foods or beverages cause you to experience bloating and discomfort, try to limit or avoid them.
• Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate digestive problems, so finding healthy ways to manage stress may help prevent or reduce abdominal discomfort.
• Maintain a healthy gut: Eating a fiber-rich diet, staying hydrated, and taking probiotics can help support a healthy digestive system and reduce the risk of bloating and pain.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help promote regular bowel movements and reduce bloating.

When to See a Gastroenterologist

If you experience persistent or recurring abdominal bloating and pain, it may be time to consult a gastroenterologist, a specialist in the digestive system. They can perform various tests, such as blood work, imaging scans, or endoscopies, to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

By seeking medical attention and addressing the root cause of your abdominal discomfort, you can find relief and prevent the condition from worsening over time.

Conclusion

Abdominal bloating and pain can have a wide range of underlying causes, from minor digestive issues to more serious medical conditions. By understanding the potential causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate medical care, you can take steps to manage and alleviate this discomfort. Remember, if you experience severe or persistent abdominal problems, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Abdominal Bloating and Pain: Causes, Photos, and Treatments

There are numerous underlying causes of abdominal bloating, which range from minor to serious.

Abdominal bloating occurs when the abdomen fills with air or gas. This may cause the area to appear larger or swollen.

The abdomen may also feel hard or tight to the touch. It can cause discomfort and abdominal pain.

There are numerous possible causes for experiencing abdominal pain and bloating. They include:

• lactose intolerance
• acid reflux
• constipation
• intestinal obstruction
• dyspepsia (indigestion)
• viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• celiac disease or gluten intolerance
• a hiatal hernia
• H. Pylori infection
• colic and crying
• diverticulitis
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• an ovarian cyst
• E. coli infection
• gallstones
• endometriosis
• a hernia
• a urinary tract infection (UTI)
• appendicitis
• ulcerative colitis
• an ectopic pregnancy
• Crohn’s disease
• peritonitis
• giardiasis
• hookworm infection
• amebiasis
• stomach cancer
• ovarian cancer
• cystic fibrosis
• non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• short bowel syndrome

In some cases, abdominal bloating and pain can occur due to a serious problem.

Seek medical help if you have abdominal pain and bloating that appears suddenly or along with:

• excessive or uncontrolled vomiting
• blood in your vomit
• blood in your stool
• a loss of consciousness
• no bowel movements for three days
• uncontrolled diarrhea

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience abdominal pain and bloating that occurs:

• after nearly every meal you eat
• with nausea
• with painful bowel movements
• with painful sexual intercourse

This information is a summary. Seek medical attention if you suspect you need urgent care. If you don’t already have a gastroenterologist, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area.

Treatments for abdominal bloating and pain will address the underlying condition.

Examples may include antibiotics for infections. If an intestinal obstruction is the cause, your doctor may encourage bowel rest by decreasing oral intake.

If there’s a deficiency moving contents within the GI tract, your doctor may prescribe medications to encourage intestinal movement. Surgery may be necessary in severe instances.

Home care

There are some things you can do at home to help. Some suggestions for home care include:

• Drink plenty of water or other clear fluids to help reduce abdominal pain and bloating.
• Avoid pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) until you know your pain isn’t due to an abdominal condition such as a gastric ulcer or an intestinal obstruction.
• Avoid solid foods for a few hours in favor of softer, bland foods such as rice or applesauce.
• Try taking over-the-counter gas-reducing medications, such as simethicone drops or digestive enzymes, to help relieve bloating.

Pain in different areas of the abdomen can mean different things.

Abdominal pain can be anywhere between the chest and the pelvis. People often call it a stomachache. The pain can also be:

• cramp-like
• achy
• dull
• sharp

Causes of abdominal bloating and pain can vary from mild to severe. Most of the time, abdominal bloating and pain occur due to:

• overeating
• gas
• stress
• indigestion

This kind of bloating or pain is usually normal and will go away within two hours.

In cases of the stomach flu, you may feel intense pain or bloating that comes and goes before each episode of vomiting or diarrhea. Stomach viruses usually go away with rest and home care.

This guide lists the organs associated with different locations of abdominal bloating or pain:

Left side of the abdomen

Upper left:

This part of the abdomen contains a portion of the body of your stomach, the tail of the pancreas, and your spleen.

The spleen is an organ that filters blood and supports the immune system.

Center left and center middle:

The transverse colon and the small intestine make up the center left and center middle of the abdomen. The small intestine is where most food digestion occurs.

The transverse colon is the upper part of the large intestine, where unabsorbed food is carried after going through the ascending colon. The small intestine is the organ that takes up most of the abdomen.

Lower left:

The descending and sigmoid colon portions are the part of the digestive system that stores unabsorbed food remains and waste before they leave your body.

Middle of the abdomen

Upper middle:

The upper middle part of the abdomen contains the liver, the cardiac region of the stomach, part of the body of the stomach, the pyloric region of the stomach, and the pancreas.

The liver filters blood and creates bile, which is a substance that helps in the breakdown and absorption of fat in the foods you eat.

The cardiac region of the stomach is where food enters from the esophagus.

The pyloric region of the stomach is the last part of the stomach before food enters into the duodenum of the small intestine.

The pancreas is a large glandular organ that releases digestive enzymes and hormones.

Lower middle:

The lower middle part of the abdomen contains the urinary bladder, rectum, and anus.

The urinary bladder is the organ that collects urine for excretion out of the body through the urethra.

The rectum goes into the anus, the final section of the large intestine that carries stool for excretion from the body.

Right side of the abdomen

Upper right:

The upper right side of your abdomen contains the gallbladder, liver, and first part of the small intestine.

The gallbladder is a small sac that stores bile made by the liver. The duodenum, known as the first portion of the small intestine, is where food empties from the stomach into the small intestine.

Center right:

The center right side of the abdomen contains the ascending colon and the transverse colon. Food then passes from the ascending colon to the transverse colon.

Lower right:

The cecum of the large intestine with the appendix and the small intestine are in the lower right side of the abdomen. The cecum is the first part of the large intestine that the end of the small intestine connects to.

Some experts believe the appendix plays a role in the immune system. Others think it has no purpose.

If your doctor performs a physical exam and then suspects a medical condition is causing your abdominal bloating or pain, they’ll run various medical tests.

The types of tests they order will depend on your medical history and physical exam results.

Some common tests for abdominal problems include the following:

Complete blood count

A complete blood count checks for levels of different cells in your blood as a way to rule out an infection or detect blood loss.

Urine test

This checks for UTIs and other urinary tract disorders. They’ll also probably check for pregnancy if you’re a woman.

Stool analysis

A stool analysis checks for abnormalities in your stool that could indicate an infection or problem with your digestive system.

Imaging test

Your doctor may use one or more imaging technologies to check for structural abnormalities in your abdominal organs. These may include radiation imaging such as:

• fluoroscopic imaging
• a plain film X-ray
• a CT scan

They may also use another form of imaging such as an MRI scan or an ultrasound. Ultrasonography involves applying a handheld device that emits sound waves to the skin’s surface to see inside the body.

Avoiding foods known to cause abdominal bloating and lower abdominal pain can help reduce most symptoms. This includes high-fat, spicy, or greasy foods.

Other lifestyle changes that can prevent the symptoms include:

• avoiding artificial sweeteners, which may cause bloating
• drinking plenty of water, which helps to reduce constipation
• eating a diet that contains high-fiber foods that promote digestion, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• eating several small meals per day instead of fewer, larger ones
• exercising regularly

Abdominal Bloating and Pain: Causes, Photos, and Treatments

There are numerous underlying causes of abdominal bloating, which range from minor to serious.

Abdominal bloating occurs when the abdomen fills with air or gas. This may cause the area to appear larger or swollen.

The abdomen may also feel hard or tight to the touch. It can cause discomfort and abdominal pain.

There are numerous possible causes for experiencing abdominal pain and bloating. They include:

• lactose intolerance
• acid reflux
• constipation
• intestinal obstruction
• dyspepsia (indigestion)
• viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• celiac disease or gluten intolerance
• a hiatal hernia
• H. Pylori infection
• colic and crying
• diverticulitis
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• an ovarian cyst
• E. coli infection
• gallstones
• endometriosis
• a hernia
• a urinary tract infection (UTI)
• appendicitis
• ulcerative colitis
• an ectopic pregnancy
• Crohn’s disease
• peritonitis
• giardiasis
• hookworm infection
• amebiasis
• stomach cancer
• ovarian cancer
• cystic fibrosis
• non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• short bowel syndrome

In some cases, abdominal bloating and pain can occur due to a serious problem.

Seek medical help if you have abdominal pain and bloating that appears suddenly or along with:

• excessive or uncontrolled vomiting
• blood in your vomit
• blood in your stool
• a loss of consciousness
• no bowel movements for three days
• uncontrolled diarrhea

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience abdominal pain and bloating that occurs:

• after nearly every meal you eat
• with nausea
• with painful bowel movements
• with painful sexual intercourse

This information is a summary. Seek medical attention if you suspect you need urgent care. If you don’t already have a gastroenterologist, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area.

Treatments for abdominal bloating and pain will address the underlying condition.

Examples may include antibiotics for infections. If an intestinal obstruction is the cause, your doctor may encourage bowel rest by decreasing oral intake.

If there’s a deficiency moving contents within the GI tract, your doctor may prescribe medications to encourage intestinal movement. Surgery may be necessary in severe instances.

Home care

There are some things you can do at home to help. Some suggestions for home care include:

• Drink plenty of water or other clear fluids to help reduce abdominal pain and bloating.
• Avoid pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) until you know your pain isn’t due to an abdominal condition such as a gastric ulcer or an intestinal obstruction.
• Avoid solid foods for a few hours in favor of softer, bland foods such as rice or applesauce.
• Try taking over-the-counter gas-reducing medications, such as simethicone drops or digestive enzymes, to help relieve bloating.

Pain in different areas of the abdomen can mean different things.

Abdominal pain can be anywhere between the chest and the pelvis. People often call it a stomachache. The pain can also be:

• cramp-like
• achy
• dull
• sharp

Causes of abdominal bloating and pain can vary from mild to severe. Most of the time, abdominal bloating and pain occur due to:

• overeating
• gas
• stress
• indigestion

This kind of bloating or pain is usually normal and will go away within two hours.

In cases of the stomach flu, you may feel intense pain or bloating that comes and goes before each episode of vomiting or diarrhea. Stomach viruses usually go away with rest and home care.

This guide lists the organs associated with different locations of abdominal bloating or pain:

Left side of the abdomen

Upper left:

This part of the abdomen contains a portion of the body of your stomach, the tail of the pancreas, and your spleen.

The spleen is an organ that filters blood and supports the immune system.

Center left and center middle:

The transverse colon and the small intestine make up the center left and center middle of the abdomen. The small intestine is where most food digestion occurs.

The transverse colon is the upper part of the large intestine, where unabsorbed food is carried after going through the ascending colon. The small intestine is the organ that takes up most of the abdomen.

Lower left:

The descending and sigmoid colon portions are the part of the digestive system that stores unabsorbed food remains and waste before they leave your body.

Middle of the abdomen

Upper middle:

The upper middle part of the abdomen contains the liver, the cardiac region of the stomach, part of the body of the stomach, the pyloric region of the stomach, and the pancreas.

The liver filters blood and creates bile, which is a substance that helps in the breakdown and absorption of fat in the foods you eat.

The cardiac region of the stomach is where food enters from the esophagus.

The pyloric region of the stomach is the last part of the stomach before food enters into the duodenum of the small intestine.

The pancreas is a large glandular organ that releases digestive enzymes and hormones.

Lower middle:

The lower middle part of the abdomen contains the urinary bladder, rectum, and anus.

The urinary bladder is the organ that collects urine for excretion out of the body through the urethra.

The rectum goes into the anus, the final section of the large intestine that carries stool for excretion from the body.

Right side of the abdomen

Upper right:

The upper right side of your abdomen contains the gallbladder, liver, and first part of the small intestine.

The gallbladder is a small sac that stores bile made by the liver. The duodenum, known as the first portion of the small intestine, is where food empties from the stomach into the small intestine.

Center right:

The center right side of the abdomen contains the ascending colon and the transverse colon. Food then passes from the ascending colon to the transverse colon.

Lower right:

The cecum of the large intestine with the appendix and the small intestine are in the lower right side of the abdomen. The cecum is the first part of the large intestine that the end of the small intestine connects to.

Some experts believe the appendix plays a role in the immune system. Others think it has no purpose.

If your doctor performs a physical exam and then suspects a medical condition is causing your abdominal bloating or pain, they’ll run various medical tests.

The types of tests they order will depend on your medical history and physical exam results.

Some common tests for abdominal problems include the following:

Complete blood count

A complete blood count checks for levels of different cells in your blood as a way to rule out an infection or detect blood loss.

Urine test

This checks for UTIs and other urinary tract disorders. They’ll also probably check for pregnancy if you’re a woman.

Stool analysis

A stool analysis checks for abnormalities in your stool that could indicate an infection or problem with your digestive system.

Imaging test

Your doctor may use one or more imaging technologies to check for structural abnormalities in your abdominal organs. These may include radiation imaging such as:

• fluoroscopic imaging
• a plain film X-ray
• a CT scan

They may also use another form of imaging such as an MRI scan or an ultrasound. Ultrasonography involves applying a handheld device that emits sound waves to the skin’s surface to see inside the body.

Avoiding foods known to cause abdominal bloating and lower abdominal pain can help reduce most symptoms. This includes high-fat, spicy, or greasy foods.

Other lifestyle changes that can prevent the symptoms include:

• avoiding artificial sweeteners, which may cause bloating
• drinking plenty of water, which helps to reduce constipation
• eating a diet that contains high-fiber foods that promote digestion, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• eating several small meals per day instead of fewer, larger ones
• exercising regularly

Why does my stomach hurt after eating?

Consider the main causes of abdominal pain after eating.

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How to get rid of pain

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Almost every one of us at one time or another has abused food. This can often lead to indigestion and nausea. But if you experience stomach pain when eating normal amounts of food, it could be a sign of a problem. Most causes of stomach pain and indigestion are not serious and do not require medical attention. But if your pain is moderate or severe, you should talk to your doctor. These symptoms may be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.

Contents of the article

Food

Some people may react badly to certain foods. After talking with your doctor and getting tested, you may find that you have an allergy or intolerance to what you regularly eat. You may need to avoid these foods in the future.

Allergies

Food allergies occur when your body mistakes a certain food for a harmful foreign invader and your immune system produces antibodies to fight it. This immune response can lead to a number of symptoms, including abdominal pain. Common food allergens are eggs, milk, peanuts and tree nuts, soy, fish and shellfish.

Food intolerance

Unlike allergies, food intolerances do not trigger an immune response. If you have a food intolerance, your digestive system is either irritated by certain foods or unable to digest them properly. Food intolerances often include:

Lactose: Lactose intolerance is an increased sensitivity to milk or dairy products.

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Gluten: Some people are sensitive to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

FODMAP: is sensitivity to foods containing various types of fermentable carbohydrates. A low FODMAP diet may help reduce symptoms.

Medical reasons

Celiac disease. Celiac disease is the body’s immune response to gluten. It differs from gluten intolerance because the immune system is involved in the reaction. Repeated consumption of this protein causes damage to the mucous membrane of the small intestine. This causes symptoms of indigestion and can lead to other serious complications.

GERD. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic digestive condition in which stomach acid enters the esophagus. This acid reflux irritates the lining of the esophagus and can cause damage. Usually the main symptom is heartburn and a feeling like your food comes back after being swallowed, but it can also cause chest pain.

Irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic disease of the large intestine. It may be accompanied by abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence. This condition usually requires long-term treatment.

Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is a serious chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can cause inflammation in different parts of the digestive tract, which can lead to severe pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, and other symptoms. This is a serious disease with potentially life-threatening complications.

Ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is another type of IBD. This is a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally, causing inflammation and ulcers on the inner lining of the colon. Studies have shown that no specific foods cause UC, but there may be some that aggravate its symptoms.

Peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are ulcers that develop on the inner surface of the stomach and duodenum. The most common symptom of an ulcer is a burning pain in the abdomen. This pain can be aggravated by spicy food. Alcohol should also be avoided.

biliary colic. Biliary colic is a condition usually caused by blockage of the bile duct by stones. The disease often develops after eating and can cause pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. This pain may be constant or intermittent.

Acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. This condition can cause abdominal pain that radiates to the back. Causes include gallstones, high triglycerides, and alcohol use.

Other causes

Sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols, which oddly contain neither sugar nor alcohol, are artificial sweeteners used in many sugar-free gums and candies. The FDA warns that excessive consumption of certain sugar alcohols may have a laxative effect. If you eat a lot of food containing these additives, you may experience bloating or diarrhea.

Constipation. Constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract and cannot be relieved in the usual way. After eating, as your body tries to digest the new food, your symptoms may get worse. To relieve constipation, try to eat more fiber-rich foods and drink plenty of water.

See also:

5 foods that can cause bloating

Has your stomach been hurting for a long time? Running to the doctor – this can be a sign of serious illness

7 Causes of Bloating With Bulimia (and How to Cope with It)

Tags: Bulimia, Mistakes and Mistakes, Laxatives, Expert Advice, Chronic EDD you are not alone. Bloating is the leading complaint among patients at the first stage of rehabilitation when restoring gastrointestinal function after bulimia or anorexia (on average, such complaints begin after 4.5 therapeutic sessions). It can be said that everyone who struggles with this disorder sooner or later encounters this phenomenon. And this is quite normal, especially in the early stages of recovery.

In this article I will tell you how you can relieve the symptoms of bloating and maybe even prevent it from happening without giving up treatment.

But before we begin to analyze the causes of bloating in bulimia and how to deal with it, I hasten to assure you that:

1. Bloating in bulimia has nothing to do with obesity and actual weight gain. Gaining weight by weight is not the same as gaining actual weight. And bloating is only a temporary phenomenon.
2. Most bulimic bloating resolves fairly quickly.

However, notwithstanding the above…

It can be very difficult for you to deal with bulimic bloating (physically, psychologically and emotionally).

Not only do you feel as if you have eaten 5 kg of food, you cannot fit into your favorite jeans, and others begin to suspect that you are deeply pregnant, but at the same time you also constantly experience rather unpleasant, and sometimes painful sensations. But it’s more difficult to survive – it’s fear, anxiety that you are “fat” again, that you have increased in volume, the feeling that you have added at least a kg. 5 weights – and these feelings are harder and harder to wear than everything written above.

• Your stomach can suddenly swell up and cause you to panic and worry. And not only because it may seem to you that you have become very fat, but also because it will seem to you that you are absolutely helpless from the fact that you are not able to control this process. And the loss of feeling – Control in those suffering from eating disorders – is leading to a feeling – anxiety and, as a result, to a return to eating disorders. “Better an empty stomach, nothing to eat than to endure such a war in the stomach!” such a basic idea. That is, bloating interferes with treatment.

You can:

• Cancel appointments at the last minute because you feel terrible, you don’t fit anything, and you think you’re too fat to go out in public.
• Unfasten a button on a skirt, loosen the belt on trousers, first by one hole, then by two, and sometimes by 4-5 at once, in order to fit your stomach, which, as you think, suddenly began to take on a life of its own.
• Take laxatives
• To deliberately arrange food breakdowns to induce vomiting.

In addition to physical and psychological discomfort, the most difficult thing to deal with:

• The idea that a bloated belly is the result of sudden weight gain.
• With the feeling that you are unable to control your own body and its processes, and that you can no longer trust it.

Very often, all these thoughts that you are fat, and that your body is your main enemy, become the cause of serious eating disorders. And every time you start to think that recovery is not worth all this effort, and everything starts all over again. Needless to say, you can be very depressed and dissatisfied with yourself by criticizing yourself and tightening your diet.

Bloating while recovering from Bulimia is normal!

It would be a mistake to ignore the physiology of the body – knowledge about it, so we spend the time in therapy necessary for you to figure it out and eventually get real tools to control the body by removing anxiety and myths.

ONCE YOU UNDERSTAND WHY YOUR STOMACH IS PLUGING AND WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH IT:

• Bloating will no longer seem like such a terrible problem.
• You will become more tolerant of yourself and begin to accept your body.
• Learn to manage bloating.
• Speed ​​up your recovery.
• Get a new boost of energy and motivation for further mental work on an eating disorder.

7 Most Common Causes of Bloating in Bulimia

1. Food Restriction, Purge and Bloating in Bulimia.

Any dietary restriction and constant “cleansing” sooner or later lead to a serious deficiency of energy and nutrients in the body. As a result, metabolism slows down and indigestion occurs.

Think about it: your body needs an adequate supply of energy (calories), healthy microflora, and nutrients to support normal digestion.

Otherwise…

1. Food stays in the stomach longer and its passage through the intestines slows down because the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract are weakened. (Weakened abdominal muscles can also cause bloating. )
2. Food is not digested properly due to lack of digestive enzymes and bacteria.

As a result…

• Fermentation, gas and bloating occur.
• Food is poorly digested and assimilated, leading to more energy and nutrient deficiencies in the body, which in turn exacerbate bloating and indigestion.

And because…

Regular vomiting leads to an imbalance in the acid-base balance in the stomach – the level of alkalinity increases, which not only prevents the efficient digestion of food, but also leads to the destruction of electrolytes, provoking the development of additional problems and digestive complications.

You may think that you are eating enough food, and it is quite possible that you are.

However, it may well be that your nutrition is not enough!

Cellular regeneration of the gastrointestinal tract may well be an important step in your treatment.

And for this INCREASED ENERGY AND NUTRIENTS (ie Food) IS SIMPLY REQUIRED.

Did you see the Dilemma?

An increase in the amount of food consumed will be used to restore a weakened organism.

If you have problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients ( especially if you have been suffering from an eating disorder for more than a year) , a feeling of discomfort and bloating is more than likely.

Because of the physical discomfort of bloating, you may be eating less than your body actually needs (which can later trigger binge eating).

Due to a psychological disorder, increased anxiety and negative thoughts about food, you may experience fear of food and refuse it, or resort to “cleansing” the body.

HOWEVER, A BALANCED REGULAR DIET IS NECESSARY IF YOU WANT TO CURE THE DISORDER AND GET RID OF FOOD ADDICTION FOREVER

Therefore, unfortunately, endless restrictions, food breakdowns and purges will not save you from discomfort and bloating, no matter how difficult it is for you to go through the transition period: on the contrary, you will only harm yourself even more.

Don’t forget that…

1. You’ll have to go through a pretty nasty transition before you start seeing improvements.
2. But I will please you that it is very small – literally 2-4 weeks and then everything will pass and there will be a cozy silence in the stomach.

2. Fluid Retention And Bloating In Bulimia

Our body tends to retain fluid whenever dehydration occurs. And since all kinds of “cleansing”: vomiting, excessive exercise, taking laxatives and / or diuretics cause dehydration, fluid retention in bulimia is as common as bloating.

Fluid retention is most acute in the case of an electrolyte imbalance in the body (which is a common side effect of “cleansing”).

Fluid retention speeds up the body’s recovery process.

See also: Help, I’m swollen! Curse and bless the recovery process from bulimia or anorexia

You may swell due to the body’s natural ability to retain fluid, especially in those parts of the body in which active cellular regeneration takes place. The fact is that the liquid increases the efficiency of absorption of nutrients and accelerates the process of cleansing cells from the decay products of these elements.

3. Anxiety, Stress And Bloating In Bulimia

It may seem strange that anxiety and stress can cause bloating in bulimia, but since the brain and gut are connected by the central nervous system, you cannot separate the processes that occur in your head on what’s going on in your gut.

Every time the brain receives a signal of danger, or you experience anxiety or stress, or your blood glucose drops sharply, a natural defense mechanism is activated and cortisol is released.

There is no doubt that…

• Bulimia is a threat to your survival.
• Life with bulimia is full of anxiety and stress.
• Low blood glucose is the result of malnutrition, “starvation” or compulsive overeating followed by “purging”.

Although the recovery process does not pose a threat to your survival, you may experience significant stress.

Cortisol itself isn’t “bad” – it just helps get blood out of your stomach and into your muscles so you can “run and fight.”

But if nothing threatens your life, and you do not need to “run and fight”, cortisol continues to accumulate in the body. As a result, digestion is disturbed or slowed down, resulting in bloating and/or constipation.

4. Food Allergies and Bloating in Bulimia

Weakened or blocked activity of digestive enzymes can lead to food allergies, hypersensitivity or intolerance to certain foods – all of these phenomena can cause bloating.

1. Reducing the diet is not conducive to recovery.
2. Treatment of food allergies and intolerances to certain foods requires considerable effort and time.

What if the real reason is not food at all?

What if electrolyte imbalances and gastrointestinal disturbances are the result of your eating disorder?

It is possible that if it were not for bulimia, you would not have any problems, and your stomach would be quite capable of digesting any food * (* Although it also happens that due to constant restriction and lack of nutrients, food allergies and sensitivities can provoke the development of an eating disorder ).

I RECOMMEND YOUR INTESTINAL TREATMENT AT ALL STAGES OF PSYCHOTHERAPY OF RPP.

bloating, which can lead to the abuse of laxatives. However, it is important to understand that constipation is the result of an impaired, inefficient and slow gastrointestinal tract, lack of fat and dehydration. Your body is starving for nutrients and fluids, not laxatives.

For Bulimia

Do you feel anxious or guilty while eating? If this is the case, it is likely that you are eating too fast, which can lead to you swallowing air at the same time as you eat. And the air that ends up in your stomach also provokes bloating.

7. Lack of Sleep and Bloating in Bulimia

Restless sleep, as well as its lack, is quite common among patients who are trying to recover from bulimia.

You have probably already noticed that lack of sleep negatively affects your mood, as well as your mental and physical activity, especially if your body is already weakened and exhausted.