How Long Does A Bloated Stomach Last
If your bloating is due to something you ate or drank or to hormone fluctuations, it should begin to ease within a few hours to days. If you are constipated, it wont go down until you start pooping. Water, exercise and herbal teas can help encourage all of these things along. If it doesnt go away or gets worse, seek medical attention.
Why Is My Upper Stomach Bloated And Hard
When your stomach swells and feels hard, the explanation might be as simple as overeating or drinking carbonated drinks, which is easy to remedy. Other causes may be more serious, such as an inflammatory bowel disease. Sometimes the accumulated gas from drinking a soda too quickly can result in a hard stomach.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Bloated Stomach
The main sign of a distended abdomen is a feeling of tightness or fullness in your belly that may or may not be accompanied by visible swelling.
However, other symptoms associated with stomach bloating may include:
- Belching
- Abdominal adhesions from past surgeries in your abdominal or pelvic area, such as a hysterectomy
Constipation
Constipation can refer to several different issues:
- The infrequent passage of stool
- Passing hard stools that may resemble rocks or pebbles
- Straining to start or pass stools
- The feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement
Any of these symptoms associated with constipation can lead to abdominal bloating, because the longer your stool waits to be passed, the more time bacteria in your colon has to ferment it. This process leads to gassiness, and in turn, bloating.
Premenstrual syndrome
Bloating is one of the most common symptoms of PMS. If youre feeling bloated in the days before your period is supposed to start, PMS is likely the culprit. Its caused by natural changes in female hormones during your cycle. One of these hormones, estrogen, can increase water retention, or the amount of fluid your body holds.
There are four subsets of PMS:
- PMS-A
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What Is A Bloated Stomach
A bloated stomach is first and foremost a feeling of tightness, pressure or fullness in your belly. It may or may not be accompanied by a visibly distended abdomen. The feeling can range from mildly uncomfortable to intensely painful. It usually goes away after a while, but for some people, its a recurring problem. Digestive issues and hormone fluctuations can cause cyclical bloating. If your bloated stomach doesnt go away, you should seek medical care to determine the cause.
When To Talk To Your Health Care Provider
Bloating can be normal, but it can also be a sign of serious conditions. Its important to keep track of what foods cause you to feel bloated, but also note if you experience other symptoms that have accompanied bloating.
If you notice a drastic change in weight or changes in your bowel movementssuch as changes in color or consistencyyou need to tell your provider that as well, as they can be signs of an underlying condition, Hoffman said. If you ate too much and are having trouble digesting your food, then you know that was the likely cause of your bloating and cramping, but if its come on suddenly with a healthy diet, you should err on the side of caution and visit your provider.
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What Can I Do At Home To Prevent Abdominal Distension
Prevention is easier if you know the cause. If you notice that abdominal distension occurs after you eat, you may be able to change your eating habits to prevent it. For example:
- Identify food sensitivities and change your diet accordingly.
- Eat smaller amounts more slowly. Wait longer between meals.
- Drink more water and eat more fiber to prevent the accumulation of waste.
- Try digestive enzymes and probiotics before meals.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease And Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is known more commonly as acid reflux. It occurs when contents from the stomach are pushed into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. One of the most common effects of GERD is abdominal bloating. Other symptoms include a dry cough, heartburn, hiccups, nausea, and sore throat.
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Food Intolerance And Bloating
Another common cause of stomach bloating can be food intolerance. In the UK its estimated that roughly 2 million people are living with a diagnosed food allergy, and 600,000 are living with coeliac disease. The NHS identifies gluten and dairy products as one of the leading causes of stomach bloating among those with food allergies.
Food allergies occur when our bodies are unable to correctly process certain chemicals in our food which can lead to an unpleasant range of symptoms. However, when it comes to bloating, the most common problems can be your bowel not emptying correctly, the food creates too much gas, or the food itself causes gas to become trapped.
If you experience regular bloating, then it could be caused by a food allergy.
It Could Be Constipation
While youre spending a lot of time at home, you may not be moving as much as you usually do. You may also be eating different foods. This can lead to constipation. You may be constipated if you experience:
- Fewer bowel movements than normal for you
- Stool that is lumpy or looks like pebbles
- Difficulty passing stool or a feeling that you still need to go after youre finished
Fortunately, you can make a number of at-home changes to help relieve your constipation. These include:
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The Causes Of Ascites
Cancers that can cause ascites include:
- ovarian cancer
Fluid can build up when:
- cancer cells irritate the lining of the abdomen and make it produce too much fluid
- lymph glands in the abdomen get blocked and cant drain fluid properly
- cancer has spread to the liver and raises the pressure in nearby blood vessels, which forces fluid out
- the liver cant make enough blood proteins so fluid leaks out of veins into the abdominal cavity
Other conditions that can cause fluid in the abdomen include:
- liver disease
- heart disease
Drinking Too Much Soda
Carbonated beverages, such as soda or sparkling water, are a common reason for bloating. The fizz in your favorite sodas can cause gas to get trapped in your stomach, which can lead to bloating and belching.
Try limiting the amount of soda you drink and switch to a healthier alternative. Water with cucumber or lemon can offer a flavorful drink with your meal, and black tea can provide the caffeine kick you may need in the early afternoon. If youre already feeling bloated, peppermint tea is a common remedy that can be used to help reduce the discomfort.
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Excess Gas Can Build Up
Gas is a normal part of digestion, but if it builds up in your intestines, it may cause bloating and pain. Gas happens when food that is not digested is broken down in your colon. This process produces methane and hydrogen, which you pass naturally as gas.
If you do experience bloating due to gas, modifying your food intake may help. Here are some common drinks and foods that can cause bloating:
- Foods high in fiber or fat
- Fried and spicy dishes
- Carbonated drinks, such as soda or beer
- Lactose found in milk, cheese and yogurts
Over-the-counter supplements can even trigger bloating.
Why Is My Stomach Bloated
The most common cause of stomach pain and bloating is excess intestinal gas. If you get a bloated stomach after eating, it may be a digestive issue. It might be as simple as eating too much too fast, or you could have a food intolerance or other condition that causes gas and digestive contents to build up. Your menstrual cycle is another common cause of temporary bloating. Sometimes a bloated stomach can indicate a more serious medical condition.
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Hallmarks Of Abdominal Swelling
Abdominal swelling is a bothersome, uncomfortable symptom that can leave feeling more full than you are and that your pants are suddenly two sizes too small. It can be due to common gastrointestinal disorders like heartburn, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome or disease, and these conditions typically bring discomfort and pain. More serious causes of abdominal swelling include intestinal blockage, fluid in the abdomen, or cancer. Obesity, pregnancy, and local skin infections may also cause abdominal swelling symptoms. In many cases, abdominal swelling can be treated at home with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies. However, the more serious causes of abdominal swelling require evaluation and treatment by a physician.
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Bloating: Causes And Prevention Tips
How often do you hear yourself or friends complain about bloating? We often just say were bloated when we feel full, but for many women, the problem relates to a chronic underlying condition. If you feel bloated often, you may have a condition like irritable bowel syndrome , which affects up to 24 percent of women.
Linda Lee, M.D., explains common causes of bloating and what you can do to prevent this uncomfortable condition.
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You Are Drinking Too Much Soda
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.
Slow Down At Mealtime
Eating too fast is a common cause of abdominal bloating because it results in swallowed air. Once that air reaches the intestines, you may feel pain and be bloated. The stomach stretches as you eat and sends signals to the brain alerting you that you are full. However, it takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to alert the brain, so you could be overeating and swallowing lots of air before you feel uncomfortably full. Slow down, chew thoroughly, and enjoy your meals. Drink enough water and stay hydrated to help ensure healthy digestion.
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Behaviors Food Choices And Activity
Eating behaviors and other habits such as gum chewing, gulping foods and drinking with eating can cause us to swallow air. Bulky foods such as lettuce, cabbage, and dense breads not chewed into small enough pieces increase swallowed air.
Typically, swallowed air contains oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It tends to not have a foul smell, but it does contribute to the discomfort associated with gas.
People vary widely in how sensitive they are to gas production. Keeping a food record to document incidences of gas in relation to foods eaten can shed light on whether food or behavior may be aggravating the situation.
When Should I Seek Medical Attention
Its unlikely that your swollen abdomen is the result of any serious illness, but there are a few things you should look out for. Call your doctor if your abdomen is getting bigger, or if you have other symptoms that accompany the swelling, such as fever or nausea.
Seek medical care if you have extreme diarrhea or blood in your stool. If you find that youre unable to eat or drink for more than eight hours, tell your doctor.
You can connect with a primary care doctor in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.
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Can Bloating Be Prevented
To keep your digestive system working well, follow a healthy diet and eat at least 30g of fibre every day. Cut down on processed and fatty foods, and drink less alcohol. Drink plenty of water and take any medicines as directed by your doctor.
Dont overeat, and try to eat more slowly. Eating regularly will help to prevent digestive problems.
Regular exercise is also important for your gut because it strengthens the muscles in your tummy and stimulates the digestive system to push food through. It also helps with stress, which affects the nerves in the digestive system and can slow down digestion.
Smoking is very bad for your digestion. If you smoke, try to quit now.
Infusion Site Handles Aka Diabetes Belly Love
Did you know that you get little rolls of âinsulin fatâ on your frequent insulin injection/infusion site spots? Yuck! Maybe Iâm just naive, but I thought those little bulges developing on my otherwise-gratifyingly-flat stomach were just advancing age. Or too much cheese. But my endo took one look at my tummy a few weeks ago, and said, âThose sites are overused! Canât you see the damage? Itâs plain as day.â She took out a ballpoint pen and actually drew circles just like these: Furthermore, when I had some catch-up OmniPod training with the Insulet rep a few days later, she just shook her head. âClear to see, but itâs not that bad. Iâve seen some patients who have little baseballs of fat in the spots they keep using.â Ooh, too much information. She says my spots are still âfreshâ enough that I might be able to reduce the puffiness by applying warm compresses regularly in the evenings. If I ever got around to sitting down quietly for more than a few minutes at a time, that is. Usually by the time all the kids are quiet upstairs, I flop on the couch for a very short TV respite before going to bed, and there ainât no way Iâm getting back up to prepare a special âwarm compressâ for my belly. Not unless itâs life-threatening, that is.Continue reading > >
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Where The Fluid Builds Up
Fluid builds up in the abdominal cavity. This is the area of the body below the ribs and lungs and above the hip bones. It contains the stomach, small and large bowel, pancreas, liver, spleen, and kidneys.
The fluid collects between the 2 layers of tissue that surround the abdominal organs. These layers are called the peritoneum. One layer lines the wall of the abdomen. The other covers the organs.
The peritoneum usually produces a small amount of fluid. This helps the organs in the abdomen to move smoothly.
Sometimes a large amount of fluid builds up between the 2 layers, which makes the abdomen swell. This can be very uncomfortable.
This fluid build up is called ascites.
Drink Ginger Tea Or Eat It Raw
Ginger is a medicinal property-rich herb which is in use since ancient civilization for curing different basic ailments. You can chew raw ginger directly or can prepare its hot drink , in all the forms it works amazing. It can help in reducing inflammation in your gut with its substances like gingerols and shogaols that calms your intestinal muscles and relieves the gas and abdominal swelling problem.
Start your day with a hot and delicious ginger tea to keep your digestive function working smoothly. It is very easy to prepare. You can add honey in it in order to sweeten its taste and can also use few lemon drops which will again enhance its taste and nutrient essence. Also, make your own ginger supplement at home with a powdered ginger root that you can consume every day to enhance your digestive health and getting rid of gas and abdominal swelling problems.
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Stop Smoking Chewing Gum Or Wearing Dentures
According to the charity Guts UK!chewing gum, smoking or wearing loose dentures all promote air swallowing and can cause bloating. Avoid using gum and quit smoking. Visit the NHS Stop Smoking Service, or call the Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044 for help. If your dentures are loose see a dentist.
How To Prevent Bloating
Typically, the first line of treatment for preventing gas and bloating is changing your diet. Research has shown that a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet can reduce the symptoms of gas and IBS. A low FODMAP diet avoids fermentable, gas-producing food ingredients, such as:
- Oligosaccharides, which are found in wheat, onions, garlic, legumes and beans
- Disaccharides, such as lactose in milk, yogurt and ice cream
- Monosaccharides, including fructose , apples and pears
- Polyols or sugar alcohols found in foods such as apricots, nectarines, plums and cauliflower, as well as many chewing gums and candies
In people sensitive to FODMAP-rich foods, the small intestine doesn’t always fully absorb these carbohydrates, and instead passes them to the colon, where they are fermented by bacteria and produce gas. To see if some of the FODMAP foods are causing your gas and bloating you can start by cutting out FODMAP foods and then slowly bringing them back into your diet one at a time to pinpoint any foods that are causing the problems.
In the long run, the key to preventing bloating is understanding its cause. If mild constipation is the problem, a fiber-rich diet, water and exercise may help, but these steps wont always work for chronic constipation. Chronic constipation and other conditions, such as IBS or gastroparesis, require medical treatment, so its important to talk to your doctor about your bloating symptoms.
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