Causes Of Bloated Stomach
Bloating of the stomach can occur due to a number of causes. Below are some common and less common causes of bloated stomach.
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
This is a condition that occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter does not work properly. Irritation of the esophagus can cause symptoms of heartburn and bloating along with nausea and burping, etc.
2. Lactose Intolerance
Some people may be allergic or may not be able to digest sugar or lactose in milk or milk products. This occurs when the intestines do not produce sufficient lactase enzyme to help in food absorption. Abdominal bloating, flatulence and diarrhea are common symptoms of lactose intolerance.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Abdominal pain, cramping, bloating and other symptoms may also occur due to a condition known as irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. This occurs due to stress or various foods. The exact cause of IBS is unclear therefore, there is no cure for the syndrome although triggers can be avoided.
4. Excessive Sodium Intake
Sometimes, bloating may occur due to excess fluid in the abdominal area caused by excessive sodium intake. Sodium helps retain water and any person experiencing bloating in the stomach should be aware of the sodium levels in their diet.
5. Ovarian Cancer
Wheres Your Abdominal Bloating And Pain
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
- 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
- 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:
Check For Lactose Intolerance Gluten
This one is major! If youre already taking steps to get rid of bloating, but it just wont seem to go away the underlying reason may be medical. If you suspect you may have a food allergy, sensitivity, or even Irritable Bowel Syndrome, talk to your doctor and take the necessary steps from there. If the culprit turns out to be IBS, Fody Foods and Medical News Today recommend giving the Low FODMAP diet a try to help reduce bloating and other associated IBS symptoms.
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Look At Supplements And Medications
Some supplements, such as iron, can cause constipation and other symptoms of indigestion. This can increase bloating. Potassium, on the other hand, may reduce bloating by helping to balance the bodys sodium levels .
Medications may also cause side effects that affect GI function or cause indigestion. If this happens, a doctor or pharmacist can suggest alternatives that are more gentle on the digestive tract.
Although it is not common, bloating and swelling of the abdomen can signify a severe medical condition. Liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, kidney problems, and some types of cancer can cause bloating.
Bloating that continues for days or weeks may indicate a health issue that needs medical attention. It is advisable to speak to a doctor about ongoing bloating that does not go away over time.
People whose bloating occurs alongside these symptoms should seek medical advice:
- appetite changes or trouble eating
- bright red blood in the stool
- black or dark maroon stools
How Do I Get Rid Of Bloating In The Morning
Ways to reduce morning bloating Dietary changes to reduce bloating. Eating too many beans, cruciferous vegetables, and legumes may lead to morning bloating, particularly if you consume these foods the night before. Drink herbal tea. Consider digestive enzymes. Regular exercise. Address any underlying medical conditions.
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When To See A Doctor About A Bloated Stomach
If self-care measures and medication arent helping to get rid of your bloated stomach, its best to see a doctor so they can work out if you have a more serious condition. You may need an endoscopy or a poo test .
You should see a doctor as soon as possible if youre bloated and you:
- are losing weight without meaning to
- are in pain or have a bloated tummy at night
- Answered by: Healthily’s medical teamAnswered: 09/09/2021
You usually get a bloated tummy because you have trapped wind, so once you get rid of the cause of this gas, the bloating will stop. Some common causes of bloating, like constipation, will only happen once and you may not have problems with bloating again. Other causes might come and go, for example, if you eat a certain food that triggers the bloating or you have IBS thats triggered by stress. And others may be more difficult to get rid of or you may have a more serious condition, so youll need to see a doctor to find out what the cause is.
Replace Sodas With Water
Fizzy, carbonated drinks contain gas that can build up in the stomach. The carbon dioxide that makes soda and similar beverages fizzy can also cause bubbling and bloating in the stomach.
Sugars or artificial sweeteners in the diet can also cause gas and bloating. Drinking water eliminates these issues and helps to treat constipation as well.
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When Should I Be Worried About Abdominal Bloating
See your healthcare provider if your bloated stomach:
- Gets progressively worse.
- Persists for more than a week.
- Is persistently painful.
- Comes with symptoms of illness, such as fever, vomiting or bleeding.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A bloated stomach is not a pleasant feeling. While its a common experience and usually temporary, you may become weary of the cycle. Spending a little focused attention on the problem to identify the cause can be well worthwhile. Try recording your symptoms and possible triggers in a journal. Note diet, hormonal and stress factors. When in doubt bring your notes to a specialist for professional guidance. The different factors that contribute to bloating can be complex and difficult to parse, but medical testing can help. As always, seek medical attention if your symptoms are persistent or severe.
How Do You Treat Bloating
If you experience bloating that can’t be avoided, there are over-the-counter medications that can help ease discomfort.
- Antacidscontain simethicone, which adhere to bubbles in the stomach so that gas is more easily released.
- Lactaid contains lactase, which can help prevent gas for people with lactose intolerance.
- Pepto-Bismol, which is the brand name for bismuth subsalicylate,may help reduce bloating caused by an upset stomach.
- Beano is a product that contains an enzyme called alpha-galactosidasethat breaks down complex carbohydrates into more digestible sugars. This helps prevent gas.
- Probioticsare “good” bacteria that help maintain the health of the digestive system. They can be found in foods such as yogurt as well as in OTC supplements.
- Movement and massage,like a walk around the block or an abdominal self massage, can help get gasses in the digestive system moving.
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Dont Eat Foods That Give You Gas
Some high-fiber foods can make people produce large amounts of gas.
Major players include legumes like beans and lentils, as well as some whole grains.
Try keeping a food diary to figure out if certain foods tend to make you more gassy or bloated than others.
Fatty foods can also slow down digestion and the emptying of the stomach. This can have benefits for satiety , but can be a problem for people with a tendency to bloat.
Try eating less beans and fatty foods to see if it helps. Also, check out this article on 13 foods that cause bloating.
Summary
If certain foods make you feel bloated or give you gas, try cutting back or avoiding them. Eating fatty foods can also slow digestion and may contribute to bloating for some people.
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Avoid Rapid Weight Gain
Rapid weight gain is linked to bloating for several reasons.
First, a buildup of fat in your stomach area may constrain your bowels, increasing tension and contributing to bloating. Additionally, fat may have inflammatory effects, contributing to hypersensitivity in your gut .
Finally, unwanted weight gain may cause you to focus attention on your stomach area, which may increase your perception of bloating .
If you have overweight or obesity and are experiencing bloating, trying some healthy strategies for weight loss such as exercise and limiting portion sizes may be beneficial.
Summary
Rapid weight gain may contribute to bloating by increasing bowel tension, inflammation, and mental focus on your stomach area. Conversely, weight loss may help reduce these effects.
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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, theyll 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:
Will Ginger Help Reduce Bloating
Ginger has a long history of being used as a digestive aid.
The phenolic compounds in ginger stimulate the production of digestive enzymes.
Ginger also reduces inflammation and muscular tension within the gastrointestinal tract. This helps release trapped gas as well as relieve constipation.
Ginger tea is a great way to harness the power of ginger. The stronger the better. You can also add a knob of fresh ginger to your smoothie.
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Causes Of Wind Gas And Bloating
Gas is a part of everyone’s digestive system and occurs as a natural by-product of digesting food. When gas gets stuck in the bowels, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as flatulence, bloating, and abdominal pain. There are many conditions that can cause some people to experience these symptoms more than others. These may include:
Here Are 10 Remedies For A Bloated Stomach:
1. Drink Lemon Water
Lemon juice is a natural diuretic, in that it increases the amount of water and salt that the body passes as urine. As such, lemon water is a good remedy for the discomfort that is caused by consumption of excess sodium. High sodium levels in the body trick the body system into retaining water since the system perceives that the person is dehydrated. You could squeeze half a lemon in warm water and drink it as a remedy. You may add a teaspoon of honey to make the concoction palatable.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are an excellent source of the good bacteria that your regular doctor keeps talking about. Probiotics are naturally present in plants such as kimchi, sauerkraut, temper, and kefir. Dr. Robynne Chutkan, the founder of the Digestive Center for Women, reiterates that live bacteria address the imbalance problem in the gut flora. Such plant-based probiotics, as well as yogurt, also improve digestion and therefore, alleviate stomach swelling.
3. Drink Herbal Teas
Herbal teas including green tea, chamomile tea, and peppermint tea are full of antioxidants that aid to assuage inflammation in the body. You could take warm herbal tea at least twice a day to help with a bloated abdomen.
4. Baking Soda
5. Eat Bananas
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
7. Eat or Drink Ginger
8. Use Turmeric in Food
9. Reduce Coffee Consumption
10. Reduce Salt Intake
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What Naturally Reduces Bloating
Here are additional suggestions to decrease bloating: Eat slowly, and consume smaller, more frequent meals. Chew your foods well. Drink beverages at room temperature. Have your dentures checked for a good fit. Increase physical activity during the day. Sit up straight after eating. Take a stroll after eating.
Best Charcoal: Charcocaps Activated Charcoal Detox & Digestive Relief
-
Safe for long-term and daily use
-
Not irritating for stomach
-
May absorb other medications
-
Will absorb a small amount of foods nutrients
Some people swear by activated charcoal as a natural supplement to alleviate their gas, bloating and discomfort. Commonly used in emergency medicine to help treat drug overdoses, activated charcoal traps toxins and prevents absorption. Research on activated charcoal for gas relief is limited, but it appears to be a safe and effective short-term solution for gas relief.
The CharcoCaps formula is made of 100% natural activated charcoal and free of yeast, corn, soy, gluten, milk, salt, sugar, starch, and preservatives, so it is safe for people with all sorts of dietary preferences. If you use activated charcoal frequently, be aware that common side effects can include tongue discoloration, black stools, and constipation.
Active Ingredients: Activated charcoal | Dose: 2 capsules with water, preferably before meals | Uses: Binds to unwanted gas and absorbs it for gas relief
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When To See A Doctor For Bloating
If you have an occasional bout of bloating, its probably nothing to worry about, especially if youre pretty sure you know the cause. For example, if you know that your diet is often the culprit, you could start by eliminating gas-producing foods like beans. You could also cut back on the carbonated drinks.
But if youve tried eliminating the factors that tend to cause bloating for you without experiencing any relief, that may be a sign that its time to consult your doctor. If you have a red flag, dont sit on it, says Dr. Farhadi.
More serious causes of bloating may include:
- Uterine fibroids
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Celiac disease
These medical conditions may require other more intensive treatments. So, if you experience bloating along with persistent or severe pain, severe diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss, those are reasons that justify a call to your doctor, says Dr. Farhadi. Thats especially true if you have a close relative with a history of gastrointestinal disease or colon cancer.
Women may also want to keep a lookout for symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge, says Dr. Dweck. Pain during sex and urinary tract infections also should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Yogurt To Relieve Stomach Pain
Plain, unsweetened yogurt containing probiotics, or active cultures, may help with stomach pains as it promotes proper digestion. These work to increase the good bacteria needed to relieve indigestion, bloating, and painful discomfort in the gut.
Consuming plain, unsweetened yogurt throughout the day may reduce stomach pain episodes.
Use the following recipe to create a drinkable form of this remedy.
- Combine two tablespoons of plain unsweetened yogurt, 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt.
- Add three teaspoons of fresh coriander juice.
- Mix in one-half teaspoon of cardamom powder.
- Mix well and drink one hour after each meal.
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A More Serious Condition Such As Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition that causes abdominal pain with bloating, diarrhea or constipation. The cause of IBS is unknown, but it may be brought on by certain triggers, including:
- Bacterial infections
- Food sensitivity
- Stressful events
If you think you may have IBS, reach out to your doctor for an evaluation. Many times, lifestyle modifications and medicines can help ease symptoms. You may also try some at-home techniques to relieve your bloating.
Preventative Measures You Can Take
You can reduce your chances of developing trapped wind and bloating by making a few changes to your lifestyle. Watch what foods you consume and make an effort to chew more slowly to avoid indigestion and cramps. A food diary can help you to pinpoint any ingredients that may be making you gassy due to food intolerance.
Try incorporating probiotics into your daily routine. These good bacteria can help to break down gases and deliver a wide range of health benefits for your digestive system. You can take probiotic supplements or consume them naturally through fermentable foods, such as yoghurt and sauerkraut.
Drink peppermint tea to soothe the stomach and make sure you drink plenty of water daily. Practice a regular exercise routine. Reduce your intake of excessive air by not chewing gum, drinking fizzy drinks, or eating with your mouth open.
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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.