What are the main causes of stomach bloating. How can you identify the underlying reasons for abdominal discomfort. What are effective ways to prevent and treat bloating symptoms.

Understanding Stomach Bloating: Symptoms and Sensations

Stomach bloating is a common and often uncomfortable condition that affects many people. It’s characterized by a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdominal area. But what exactly does bloating feel like?

Typically, when you’re bloated, you may experience:

• A sensation of fullness or pressure in your abdomen
• Visible swelling or distension of your stomach
• Discomfort or pain in the abdominal region
• Excessive gas or flatulence
• Frequent burping or belching

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other digestive issues. Understanding these sensations is the first step in identifying and addressing the underlying causes of your bloating.

Dietary Factors: How Food Choices Influence Bloating

Your diet plays a crucial role in the occurrence of bloating. Certain foods are more likely to cause gas and bloating than others. Why do some foods lead to bloating? It’s often due to their composition or how your body processes them.

Common Bloat-Inducing Foods

• Beans and lentils
• Carbonated beverages
• Dairy products (for those with lactose intolerance)
• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage
• High-fiber foods
• Artificial sweeteners

While these foods can contribute to bloating, it’s important to note that everyone’s digestive system responds differently. Keeping a food diary can help you identify which specific foods trigger your bloating symptoms.

Eating Habits That May Cause Bloating

It’s not just what you eat, but how you eat that can lead to bloating. Consider these habits:

• Eating too quickly
• Consuming large portions
• Talking while eating (which can lead to swallowing air)
• Drinking through a straw
• Chewing gum frequently

By being mindful of these habits and making adjustments, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of bloating episodes.

Medical Conditions Associated with Chronic Bloating

While occasional bloating is often related to diet or lifestyle factors, persistent or severe bloating may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. What are some health issues that can cause chronic bloating?

Digestive Disorders

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Celiac Disease
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Other Medical Conditions

• Gastroparesis
• Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen)
• Ovarian cysts or tumors
• Pancreatic insufficiency

If you experience persistent bloating, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss, severe pain, or changes in bowel habits, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Hormonal Influences on Bloating: The Female Factor

For many women, bloating is a recurring issue tied to their menstrual cycle. How do hormonal fluctuations contribute to bloating?

During the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes can affect:

• Water retention
• Digestive system function
• Gas production

These factors often lead to increased bloating in the days leading up to menstruation. Additionally, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis can exacerbate bloating symptoms.

Menopause and Bloating

As women transition into menopause, hormonal shifts can also impact digestive function and lead to increased bloating. This is often accompanied by other gastrointestinal changes and can be a source of discomfort for many women during this life stage.

Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Abdominal Bloating

Beyond diet and medical conditions, various lifestyle factors can contribute to bloating. Identifying and modifying these factors can often provide relief from bloating symptoms.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can have a significant impact on digestive function. How does stress contribute to bloating?

• Alters gut motility
• Increases sensitivity to gas and fullness
• May lead to changes in eating habits

Managing stress through techniques like meditation, exercise, or therapy can often help reduce bloating symptoms.

Physical Activity Levels

Regular physical activity can help promote healthy digestion and reduce bloating. Exercise helps stimulate the digestive system, encourages regular bowel movements, and can help release trapped gas.

Sleep Patterns

Poor sleep quality or irregular sleep patterns can disrupt your digestive system, potentially leading to increased bloating. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene can contribute to better digestive health.

Medications and Supplements: Hidden Causes of Bloating

Certain medications and supplements can contribute to bloating as a side effect. What are some common culprits?

• Antibiotics
• Iron supplements
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Some blood pressure medications
• Certain diabetes medications

If you suspect a medication or supplement is causing your bloating, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your regimen.

Probiotics and Bloating

While probiotics are often touted for their digestive health benefits, they can sometimes cause temporary bloating when first introduced. This is usually temporary and subsides as your body adjusts to the new bacteria.

Diagnostic Approaches for Chronic Bloating

When bloating becomes a persistent issue, medical evaluation may be necessary to identify the underlying cause. What diagnostic tools do healthcare providers use to investigate chronic bloating?

Physical Examination and Medical History

A thorough physical exam and detailed medical history are often the first steps in diagnosing the cause of chronic bloating.

Diagnostic Tests

• Blood tests to check for celiac disease, inflammation, or other conditions
• Stool tests to check for infections or malabsorption issues
• Hydrogen breath tests to diagnose lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• Imaging studies like CT scans or ultrasounds to visualize abdominal structures
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy to examine the digestive tract directly

The specific tests recommended will depend on your individual symptoms and medical history.

Effective Strategies for Managing and Preventing Bloating

While the causes of bloating can be diverse, there are several strategies that can help manage and prevent this uncomfortable condition. What are some effective approaches to reducing bloating?

Dietary Modifications

• Identify and avoid trigger foods
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly
• Stay hydrated
• Consider a low FODMAP diet under medical supervision

Lifestyle Changes

• Incorporate regular exercise into your routine
• Practice stress-reduction techniques
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Over-the-Counter Remedies

Several over-the-counter products can provide relief from bloating symptoms:

• Simethicone-based gas relievers
• Activated charcoal
• Digestive enzymes
• Peppermint oil capsules

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have ongoing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Natural Remedies

Some people find relief from bloating through natural remedies such as:

• Ginger tea
• Peppermint tea
• Fennel seeds
• Gentle abdominal massage

While these remedies can be helpful for many people, it’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. Experimenting with different strategies and paying attention to your body’s responses can help you find the most effective approach for managing your bloating symptoms.

In conclusion, understanding the various causes of bloating and implementing targeted strategies can significantly improve your digestive comfort and overall well-being. Remember, persistent or severe bloating should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Bloating – Bloated Stomach – What Causes Bloating?

What is bloating?

Bloating occurs in your abdomen (stomach). It happens when your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with air or gas. The GI tract runs from the mouth to the anus (bottom). It includes your entire digestive system. When you are bloated, you feel as if you’ve eaten a big meal and there is no room in your stomach. Your stomach feels full and tight. It can be uncomfortable or painful. Your stomach may actually look bigger. It can make your clothes fit tighter.

Symptoms of bloating

Common symptoms of bloating include stomach pain, discomfort, and gas. You may also burp or belch frequently or have abdominal rumbling or gurgling.

Severe bloating may occur along with other serious symptoms, such as:

• Blood in your stool
• Noticeable weight loss (without trying)
• Vaginal bleeding (between your periods, or if you are postmenopausal)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn that is getting worse
• Fever (due to an infection)

If you have any of these symptoms along with bloating, call your doctor.

What causes bloating?

Bloating happens when the GI tract becomes filled with air or gas. This can be caused by something as simple as the food you eat. Some foods produce more gas than others. It can also be caused by lactose intolerance (problems with dairy). Other simple reasons for bloating include:

• Swallowing air (this can happen when you chew gum, smoke, or eat too fast)
• Constipation
• Overeating
• Reflux (GERD)
• Weight gain
• Menstruation (in some women)

Other causes could include medical conditions, such as:

• Infection
• Inflammation (such as a condition called diverticulitis)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Liver disease (abnormal buildup of fluid in your stomach or pelvis)
• Crohn’s disease
• Blockage in your bowel or bladder
• Cancer (ovarian, uterine, colon, pancreatic, or stomach)
• Mental health factors, such as anxiety or depression
• Some medicines

How is bloating diagnosed?

Your doctor can generally diagnose the cause of your bloating through a physical exam in the office. They will ask you questions about your symptoms. They will want to know if your bloating is occasional or if it occurs all the time.

Temporary bloating is usually not serious. If it happens all the time, your doctor may order other tests. These could include an imaging test to look inside your abdomen. This could be an X-ray or CT scan.

Can bloating be prevented or avoided?

There are many ways to prevent and avoid bloating:

• Avoid the foods that are known to cause gas. These include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, turnips, beans, and lentils.
• Avoid chewing gum.
• Avoid using straws for drinking.
• Reduce or avoid drinking carbonated drinks (such as soda).
• Reduce or avoid eating and drinking foods that include fructose or sorbitol. These artificial sweeteners are often found in sugar-free foods.
• Eat slowly.
• Eat more foods high in fiber to prevent constipation. If foods alone don’t help, consider taking a fiber supplement.
• Avoid dairy products if you notice they cause gas and bloating.
• Quit smoking.

Bloating treatment

For temporary bloating, ask your doctor about over-the-counter medicines that relieve gas and bloating. These could include simethicone or charcoal caps. Probiotics (such as some types of yogurt) and certain herbal ingredients can relieve your discomfort, too. Herbal ingredients include peppermint and chamomile tea, anise, caraway, coriander, fennel, and turmeric.

If your bloating is caused by something more serious, your doctor will treat the underlying cause.

Living with bloating

Living with bloating can be uncomfortable. You may have stomach pain or just a sense of fullness. When it affects how your clothes fit, it can be frustrating. If your bloating is constant, don’t suffer unnecessarily. See your doctor to determine if the cause of the bloating is something more serious.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Do I need a test to diagnose lactose intolerance?
• Why do certain foods cause my bloating when they never used to?
• What can I do if I have diabetesand my medicine or artificial sweeteners cause bloating?
• Could my bloating be a sign of something more serious?
• What kind of tests will I need?
• What kind of over-the-counter medicine can I try?

Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Why Is My Stomach Bloated? 15 Causes of Abdominal Bloating

Medically Reviewed by Minesh Khatri, MD on May 18, 2021

We’ve all felt it: that too-full feeling you get in your belly. But it’s not always from eating too much. Does your body hold on to too much water? Is it something you ate? Or could a health issue be behind it?

Most people who think they’re bloated because they have gas are just more sensitive to it. This is usually related to a health condition. Possible causes include irritable bowel syndrome (when nerves linked to your bowel are too active), acid reflux (which irritates your esophagus, the tube between your throat and stomach), and hemorrhoids. Talk to your doctor if you think you have gas often.

Your body needs this, but most of us get more than we need. It makes you hold on to — or retain — water and can cause more serious health problems like high blood pressure. And it’s not just the saltshaker you should avoid: If you’re like many Americans, most of your salt comes from prepackaged and fast foods. Check food labels for salt (sodium) levels and remember: Just because you don’t taste it doesn’t mean it’s not there. 

Carbohydrates give your body fuel it can use quickly. But too many at once can make you retain water. And the faster the carbs get into your blood, the more likely that is. Simple carbs — white bread, candy, pastries, and soft drinks — enter your blood almost instantly. Complex carbs — whole grains, fruits, and vegetables — don’t because they take longer to digest.

Well, here’s an easy one. Your stomach is only about the size of your fist. It can stretch, but that can make you feel bloated, especially if you eat lots of salty food and carbs. One tip is to stop eating before you feel full.  

Those bubbles in soda and other drinks like beer, champagne, or seltzer are filled with gas. When you drink them, they can fill up your digestive system. You may burp some of it away, but once the gas reaches your intestines, it stays until you pass it. And most sodas are full of sugar, which can make you hold on to water and feel bloated.

The faster you eat, the more air you swallow. And like with bubbly drinks, once that air passes to your intestine, it can make you feel bloated. It can take 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain you’re full, so you can eat enough to make yourself bloated and uncomfortable before your brain gets the message.

Most people are a little irregular from time to time, and that can make you feel bloated. Some foods can cause it, along with not drinking enough water, sudden changes in your diet, or stress. It usually passes on its own, but exercise and over-the-counter drugs can help. See your doctor if it lasts more than a few days.

Foods like milk and ice cream can cause gas, belly pain, and bloating if your body can’t easily digest a dairy sugar called lactose. It’s not usually serious, but it’s a good idea to avoid milk products. Some medicines can help you digest it more easily. This is not the same as an allergy to dairy, where your body’s immune system treats it like a dangerous invader. That can be more serious, causing hives, vomiting, and bloody stools.

If you’ve gained 10 or more pounds in the past year, you may feel bloated because that weight often goes on around your belly. That takes up space and leaves less room for your stomach to stretch. Talk with your doctor about a plan to help you lose that weight and be more comfortable.

This is a kind of sugar, and it’s harder for your body to break down than other kinds. That can lead to gas, bloating, and pain. It’s in lots of foods in the form of “high fructose corn syrup,” and it happens naturally in some like fruit (especially dried fruit) as well as honey, onions, and garlic. A food diary can help you keep track of how you feel after you eat certain foods and figure out if this is a problem for you.

Your body needs it to make cell walls, nerve tissue (like your brain), and hormones. But too much can make you bloated because your body takes longer to break it down than other types of food. That means it sticks around longer. It’s also high in calories and can make you gain weight if you’re not careful — and that can make you feel bloated, too.

A condition called premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, can make some women feel tired, achy, and irritable the week or so before their period. It also makes you hold on to water, which can make you feel bloated. The cause is unclear, but hormones seem to play a part. It can help to exercise and stay away from salt, sugar, and simple carbs.

These carbs are digested near the end of your intestine, where bacteria feed on them. For some people, this can cause gas and fluid buildup, belly pain, and bloating. FODMAPs are in some fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy — asparagus, garlic, pears, mangoes, peaches, wheat pasta, and rye bread are examples. Keep a food diary to keep track of foods that affect you, and ask a dietitian or doctor if FODMAPs might be to blame.

This is when your body responds to gluten — a protein in wheat, barley, rye, and many prepackaged foods — by attacking the lining of your intestine (part of your digestive system). It can cause diarrhea, weight loss, pain in the belly area, and lots of gas, which can make you feel bloated. There’s no cure, but you can manage your symptoms if you stay away from foods that have gluten.

Most of the time, you can manage bloating on your own. But if you also feel weak or lose your appetite, or have diarrhea, weight loss, fever, belly pain, or blood in your stool, talk to your doctor. To find out what’s going on, they may take a stool sample or an X-ray of your small intestine, or test you for lactose intolerance or celiac disease. 

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American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: “Milk & Dairy Allergy. ”

British Nutrition Foundation: “Understanding satiety: feeling full after a meal.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Feel Bloated? 5 Odd Reasons for Your Stomach Pain,” “Constipation: 6 Ways to Unblock Yourself.”

Harvard Health Publications: “Is fructose bad for you?”

Mayo Clinic: “Water retention: Relieve this premenstrual symptom,” “Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).”

Nemours Foundation: “What Are Fat and Calories?”

NIH: “Low-FODMAP Diet for Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome,” “Functional Abdominal Bloating with Distention,” “AgePage: Concerned About Constipation?”

UpToDate: “Patient education: Celiac disease in adults (Beyond the Basics),” “Patient education: Gas and bloating (Beyond the Basics).”

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What foods cause bloating?

Most often, bloating occurs due to food – we tell you which one.

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Bloating is usually caused by gas or other digestive problems. This condition is very common. About 16-30 percent of people say they experience it regularly. Although bloating can be a symptom of a serious medical condition, it is usually caused by something wrong with your diet. Here are five foods that most often cause bloating.

Legumes

Legumes (beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas) are quite popular in our diet. They are high in protein and healthy carbohydrates. They are also very rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. However, most beans contain sugars called alpha-galactosides, which belong to a group of carbohydrates called FODMAPs, which are short-chain carbohydrates that are not digested and then fermented by intestinal bacteria in the colon. Gas is a by-product of this process. For healthy people, FODMAPs simply serve as fuel for beneficial digestive bacteria and should not cause any problems.

However, people with irritable bowel syndrome develop gas during the fermentation process. This can cause severe discomfort with symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, cramps, and diarrhea. Soaking and sprouting beans is a good way to reduce the amount of FODMAP in beans. Changing the soaking water several times can also help.

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Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks contain a lot of carbon dioxide, which you literally swallow when you drink it. Some of the gas enters the digestive system, which can cause uncomfortable bloating and even cramps. Plain water will always be better. Other healthy alternatives include coffee or tea.

( Read also: Is it harmful to drink carbonated water: scientists’ opinion)

Wheat

In recent years, wheat has been a big controversy, mainly because it contains the protein gluten. Despite controversy, wheat is still found in most breads, pastas, tortillas and pizzas, as well as baked goods. In people with gluten intolerance, wheat causes serious digestive problems. They include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Wheat is also a major source of FODMAPs, which can cause digestive problems for many people. There are many gluten-free alternatives to wheat, such as pure oats, quinoa, buckwheat, almond flour, and coconut flour.

Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables

The cruciferous vegetable family includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and some others. They are very healthy and contain many important nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron and potassium. However, they also contain FODMAP and may cause bloating in some people. Cooking cruciferous vegetables can make them easier to digest. There are many possible alternatives to kale and cruciferous that do not cause digestive problems: spinach, cucumbers, lettuce, sweet potatoes, and zucchini.

Dairy products

Milk and dairy products are highly nutritious and a good source of protein and calcium. These include milk, cottage cheese, cheeses, yogurt and butter. However, many people cannot break down lactose, the sugar found in milk. This condition is called lactose intolerance. If you suffer from this disease, dairy products can cause you serious digestive problems. Their symptoms include bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea. People with lactose intolerance may occasionally consume cream, butter, or fermented milk products such as cottage cheese or yogurt. Lactose-free dairy products are also available. Another alternative to regular milk can be plant-based milk: coconut, almond, soy or rice.

See also:

6 low-lactose dairy products

What not to eat before the flight: these foods you will suffer from on the plane

Bloating – General information, Causes. Tomsk

General Information

Abdominal distension (flatulence) is a condition resulting from excessive gas formation. It occurs as a concomitant symptom of many intestinal pathologies and is not an independent disease.

Causes of occurrence

Bloating is usually caused by a violation of the digestion of food, and this entails too active formation of gases and the impossibility of their rapid natural elimination. The primary cause of flatulence is the entry of air into the digestive tract during hasty chewing of food and simultaneous conversations. It is scientifically substantiated that about 70% of gases enter the intestinal cavity as a result of ingestion with food, and are not formed naturally. The situation is greatly aggravated by the use of carbonated water and drinks. Carbon dioxide from them is concentrated in the intestinal sections, which causes bloating. Allocate flatulence that occurs during physiological processes in the body and direct pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. Natural bloating is caused, as a rule, by the use of products, during the digestion of which, through intestinal enzymes, active gas formation occurs. Also, this condition can be caused by products that enhance fermentation. As another reason, which is decisive for the occurrence of bloating, experts determine the too low level of mobility of a modern person.

Gases resulting from some form of fermentopathy may also cause bloating. For example, most adults are characterized by a deficiency in the body of an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of complex milk sugar (lactose) into monosaccharides (glucose and fructose). This enzyme is lactase, it is produced in the small intestine; with lactase deficiency, milk with unsplit milk sugar passes into the large intestine, and is already digested there with the help of local microflora. This process is accompanied by active gas formation, causing a feeling of fullness and bloating after eating.

Dysbacteriosis, often diagnosed in patients of different ages, can be the cause of flatulence. The disease is characterized by a qualitative change in the intestinal microflora, which is expressed in an imbalance between the number of conditionally pathogenic and normal (“beneficial”) bacteria. Both those and others constantly live in our body; but while a person is healthy, useful microorganisms necessary for normal digestion easily suppress pathogenic ones. With dysbacteriosis, the amount of pathogenic microflora in the intestine increases, normal food processing is disturbed, and as a result of the dominance of putrefactive processes, gas formation sharply increases.

If there is constant localized bloating, and in terms of location it corresponds to a certain area of ​​the intestine, then it is worth suspecting a mechanical obstruction in the path of moving gases; it may be a tumor or an intestinal obstruction that has arisen for other reasons. A swollen abdomen may be the result of impaired motor function of the intestines (a common occurrence with invasions that cause intoxication of the intestinal muscles), circulatory problems (for example, observed with varicose veins, when blood stagnates in the venous network of the intestine). Mental pathologies, in particular, hysterical disorders, can cause swelling.

The following are common causes of bloating in apparently healthy people:

• A significant amount of gas is caused by eating inappropriate foods. Fermentation and rumbling in the digestive system provokes the immoderate consumption of carbonated drinks. When taken in small amounts, gases are naturally eliminated.