Check For A Food Intolerance Or Allergy
Occasionally, a wheat allergy or lactose intolerance results in a lot of undigested food that can be acted on by bacteria and cause bloating, says Dr Chopada.
If you want to reduce bloating consider food intolerances, says Claire. The most common intolerances are lactose , fructose , wheat and gluten, and eggs. You can do this by cutting out food you think you might be intolerant to and seeing how your body reacts. If you arent sure, find a specialist who can test you, she advises.
Over the counter medications like Deflatine tablets can help, adds Dr Chophada.
Drinking enough water can actually reduce bloating, rather than cause it.
Also Check: Can Stomach Cancer Cause Chest Pain
When To Seek Medical Help
Most abdominal bloating should resolve itself with time when the excess gases, liquids, or food can move through the stomach and intestines. However, if your abdominal bloating and shortness of breath last longer than a day, seek medical attention.
The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you need help finding a primary care doctor.
Also seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms along with shortness of breath and abdominal bloating:
Medical treatments for abdominal bloating and shortness of breath will address the underlying condition. For example, over-the-counter medications may help resolve abdominal bloating. Bronchodilators can help to open the airways and improve breathing.
Eating Too Much Too Quickly
Having another bite or helping when you’re already full can easily push your stomach to the point of discomfort, Panitz notes.
And chowing down at lightning speed can have a similar effect: It takes 20 minutes or more for satiety signals from your stomach to reach your brain, so if you polish off your plate faster than that, you may not yet realize that you’ve had enough â and reach for more food, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
Also? Eating very fast can make it harder to thoroughly chew your food, per experts at Northwestern Medicine. As a result, your stomach is forced to digest down larger, harder-to-break-down food particles, which can cause the sensation of indigestion.
Read Also: Does Aleve Upset Your Stomach
Bloated Irrtable And My Clothes Feel Tight
Guest over a year ago
Loading
Guest over a year ago
Guest over a year ago
Well, it is interesting that your belly was flat after the treatment. That seems to suggest that there is something going on with your gut. To get rid of a bloated belly, it sometimes helps to avoid foods that are known to cause bloating and burping, such as beans and cabbage. You should also chew your food extra well and stay away from carbonated drinks.
Activated charcoal and fennel tea are great ways to deal with a bloated belly if it was caused by some food you ate that is bad.
If none of that helps, I do think you should see your doctor.
Loading
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.
Read Also: How To Get Stomach Flat After C Section
Hard Stomach During Pregnancy
Generally, you expect a hard stomach when youre pregnant. Your hard-feeling stomach is caused by the pressure of your uterus growing and putting pressure on your abdomen.
The hardness of your stomach while pregnant can be more pronounced if you eat a low-fiber diet or drink a lot of carbonated beverages.
If your experience severe pain along with your hard stomach, you should see your OB-GYN or seek immediate medical attention. Sometimes severe pain in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is an indicator of miscarriage.
Although more common in the third trimester, in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, discomfort can come from labor contractions or Braxton-Hicks contractions. Typically Braxton-Hicks contractions pass. If the contractions dont pass and become more persistent, it might be a sign that youre going into labor.
How Long Do You Have To Treat Dog Bloat
Bloat/GDV can kill a dog within an hour if untreated. This is why we vets cant stress it enough: If you notice that your dog is bloated, it is officially the time to get them to the nearest open veterinary hospital ASAP.
If your regular veterinarians office is closed, bring your dog immediately to the closest Animal ER. Please, dont trifle with or delay in the face of this condition. GDV is no joke!
Still unsure if your dog has GDV? Even if you think theres a chance that your dog may currently be suffering from GDV, please err on the side of caution and take them for immediate veterinary evaluation. The cost of an emergency vet visit will pale in comparison to the peace of mind youll get by doing so. Below is an email from one reader whose dog was fortunate enough not to have bloat, but was thankful she had the information from our 101 Essential Tips book that she took the appropriate precautionary measures.
Read Also: What Causes Constant Stomach Ache
Working With A Doctor
It is important to speak openly and honestly with your physician to express a clear picture of your experiences and symptoms. FGIDs present special challenges when communicating, specifically because of their vague symptoms and sensitive subject matter.
There isnt a diagnostic test for bloating or distension however your doctor may run some tests to rule out underlying problems or associated disorders.
For more information about GI tests and how to prepare for them, see our website www.aboutGIMotility.org or see IFFGD publications #111 or #510.
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:
Recommended Reading: Can Mold Cause Stomach Problems
How Common Is Stomach Bloating
Between 10% and 25% of otherwise healthy people complain of occasional abdominal bloating. As many as 75% describe their symptoms as moderate to severe. About 10% say they experience it regularly. Among those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome , it may be as much as 90%. Up to 75% of women experience bloating before and during their period. Only 50% of people who experience bloating also report a distended abdomen.
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 of women.
Here are some common causes of bloating and tips on preventing this uncomfortable condition.
Read Also: How To Treat Stomach Virus In Babies
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.
Bladder Infections And Bloat
Spasms and back pain, as well as a feeling of tightness in the upper stomach can be caused by a bladder infection.
The most common cause of abdominal pain and bloating is excess intestinal gas. If you have to bloat after eating, it may be a digestive problem. Stress, eating habits, and lifestyle factors can make your stomach feel full and tight.
Conditions that affect digestion and hormones can also cause this feeling, and depending on the cause, it can also cause bloating. Depending on the cause, the bloating may be accompanied by discomfort, rumbling or rumbling in the abdomen, nausea, or flatulence .
The bloating will continue until the food in the crowded stomach is digested or the gas accumulated in the body is expelled. Digestive problems and hormonal fluctuations can cause periodic swelling.
Bloating is a condition where the abdomen feels full and tight, usually due to gas. Bloating is flatulence in the abdomen that can make your stomach look larger than usual. Although this may make your abdomen look bigger than usual and your clothes fit your waist, the bloating is not caused by excess belly fat.
If your bloating is triggered by poor eating habits or excessive alcohol consumption, you can avoid it by amending your lifestyle. You can avoid bloating by avoiding foods or eating habits that cause it.
Healthy, high-fiber foods can help you feel full , but if you are not used to eating them, they can also cause gas and bloating.
Recommended Reading: What Causes Stomach Bloating In Females
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:
Other Causes Of Abdominal Bloating And Shortness Of Breath
Abdominal bloating has many causes. It is more common in people who experience functional gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome or gastroparesis. Bloating can be due to the buildup of gas, fluids, or food in the stomach.
Overeating or eating foods known to contribute to bloating and gas, such as cabbage, beans, and lentils, may cause bloating.
Abdominal bloating can affect the diaphragm, a muscular partition between the chest and abdomen. The diaphragm assists in breathing, which means bloating can lead to shortness of breath. This happens if the pressure in the abdomen is enough to restrict the movement of the diaphragm.
Being short of breath can cause you to take small, short breaths. This can lead to swallowing air, which is known as aerophagia. Difficulty breathing can be brought on by anxiety or panic attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , pneumonia, and asthma attacks.
There are conditions that can result in both abdominal bloating and shortness of breath.
Any condition that leads to the buildup of air or foodstuffs could cause both bloating and shortness of breath. Also, stool inside the intestines, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, constipation, ileus, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis could cause bloating and shortness of breath.
If bloating or shortness of breath is severe, seek immediate medical treatment.
Read Also: What Medicine To Take For Bloated Stomach
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.
When To See A Doctor About Bloating
You can usually manage bloating with self-care. But you should see a doctor as soon as possible if you have bloating and:
- its very bad
- you feel full quickly or dont feel like eating
- you need to pee more often or need to pee urgently
- youre having abnormal vaginal bleeding, or vaginal bleeding after youve been through the menopause
- you suddenly cant pee or havent peed all day
- youre vomiting and it looks like blood, coffee grounds or its bright green, or you cant keep any fluids down
- have very bad tummy pain
- you havent had a poo or farted all day
- you have a lot of blood in your poo or your pee
- your poo looks like tar
Also Check: How To Smooth Stomach Skin
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Bad Stomach Pain
Reasons Why Your Dogs Stomach Is Hard And What To Do
When your dogs stomach swells or hardens, there may be a serious cause for concern, or it may just be a case of your dog overheating. Its important to know the difference between something that can take care of itself versus something that can cause your dog serious harm.
The four main reasons why your dogs stomach may be hard are Gastric Dilation Volvulus , Peritonitis, Cushings Syndrome, and Ascites. Of course, there may be a few other reasons, but these are the most likely ones. By knowing the symptoms of stomach problems in dogs, you will know what to do in the event of something more serious happening.
Take note that when a dog has stomach swelling or hardness, your pooch may be in critical condition. Swelling in dogs can be fatal if the situation is not remedied promptly. Take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you notice stomach swelling. A veterinarian is the best person to diagnose your dog because you do not want to misinterpret their symptoms and cause them more harm.
Also Check: Bananas And Bloating
You Have A Gi Condition
GI illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome can cause diarrhea, constipation, or both, says Inra. And a lot of patientsespecially womenexperience significant bloating, she says. If you have a GI disorder, your gut can be hypersensitive, says Inra. Breaking down food can leave you with a slew of unwanted stomach woes, pain, and bloating.
Read Also: What Should I Eat With An Upset Stomach
Why Does Alcohol Cause Abdominal Bloating
A lot of people wonder, Why does my stomach bloat after drinking alcohol? The truth is, not all people who drink alcohol get abdominal bloating.
But those who often have health complications that are the result of impaired stomach functions have issues with digestive processes like the gastrointestinal tract, stomach lining, acid secretion, and relaxed sphincter muscles.
Alcohol is a trigger for inflammatory bowel disease, research shows. Out of 129 patients evaluated, 39 had irritable bowel syndrome . In fact, 43% of patients with IBS claimed to have worsened the symptoms of the condition after drinking alcohol. The more they drank, the worse the symptoms became.
The stomach must work properly for the body to digest the drinks normally. In other words, the autonomic nervous system should control the stomach muscles and digestive fluids. When something impairs the normal movement of food and drinks in the stomach , thats when people experience stomach bloating.
Based on studies, alcoholic beverages are nervous system depressants. They slow down the entire system, which could have serious repercussions on the overall health, not just the stomach lining. Therefore, people can experience cramps, pains, and diarrhea.
For those dealing with alcoholism in the DFW area, its best that you enroll in a medical alcohol detox in North Texas to manage your withdrawal symptoms. The sooner you get treatment, the higher the chances of overcoming your alcohol-induced bloating problem.
Abdominal Bloating And Pain Treatments
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 theres a deficiency moving contents within the GI tract, your doctor may prescribe medications to encourage intestinal movement. Surgery may be necessary in severe instances.
You May Like: What Does It Mean When Your Stomach Feels Bloated
How Is Bloating Treated
Bloating will usually go away by itself if you adjust your diet for a while. Cut down on salty foods, carbohydrates and fizzy drinks. For some people, it can help to avoid foods that contain onion or garlic, wheat, rye, lactose products or stone fruit.
Bloating caused by constipation can be treated by eating more high-fibre foods, increasing the amount of water that you drink, and exercising regularly. Some people may need laxatives to treat constipation.
If you have a medical condition such as coeliac disease, you will need to follow a strict diet to prevent bloating and other symptoms. If you have IBS, following a high-fibre diet and the low FODMAP diet may help. This involves cutting out some dairy products, wheat and other grains, and some fruits and vegetables. Talk to a health professional such as your doctor or a dietitian before starting this diet to make sure it is right for you.
If you have a food intolerance, you may need to try an elimination diet to find out which food or foods are causing your problems. Your doctor or dietitian will advise you.
Some people find that probiotics containing lactobacillus and bifidobacterium can help with bloating by reducing the production of gas in the gut.
Dont Miss: What Is H Pylori Stomach Infection