Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Why Is The Top Of My Stomach Bloated

Middle Of The Abdomen

How To Reduce Bloating | My Top 8 Tips

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.

Stop Wearing Tight Clothing While Eating

Its sometimes not about WHAT you eat but HOW you eat. This may seem a little far-fetched but tight clothing can constrict your stomach, making it more difficult for things to pass through, explains The Gut Stuff team. Therefore, loosen your clothes before eating.

Its the same with the position in which youre sitting when you have your meal check your eating position, says the team.

Warning Signs And Symptoms

Weight loss is one of the main warning signs for serious bloating. If you find yourself losing more than a few pounds without changing your diet or starting a new exercise regimen, that should be cause for concern, especially if its 10 percent or more of your body weight. Weight loss can be caused by tumors that press on the intestines, making you feel full after just a small amount of food, or from substances secreted by tumors that suppress your appetite.

Ascites is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen or pelvis. It can cause bloating, weight gain, and a rapidly expanding waistline. Ascites is usually caused by liver disease, but cancer is the culprit about 10 percent of the time. A large amount of fluid can make you look and feel like youre several months pregnant. The combination of bloating and jaundice, which turns the eyes and skin yellow, can be a sign of cancer thats spread to the liver, although it can also occur with more benign forms of liver disease like hepatitis.

Blood in your stool, vaginal bleeding in between periods, or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding can all be associated with serious bloating. Fortunately, the most common causes of these symptoms arent the most serious, but bleeding should always be evaluated because it can be a sign of cancer, particularly colon or uterine cancer.

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About Heart And Vascular Institute

The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute has long been a leader in cardiovascular care, with a rich history in clinical research and innovation. As one of the first heart transplant centers in the country and as the developer of one of the first heart-assist devices, UPMC has contributed to advancing the field of cardiovascular medicine.

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What You Need To Know About Hepatitis

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Hepatitis is a serious liver disease that affects millions of Americans. Get the facts on hepatitis types, causes, and treatments.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, and it is most often caused by viral infections. Some types of hepatitis will cause discomfort but eventually go away, while others, like chronic hepatitis C, can be deadly.

Viral types of hepatitis A, B,C, D, and E are contracted in various ways. Other non-viral causes of hepatitis relate to toxic exposures and autoimmune disease.

Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver cancer and also the number one reason for liver transplants in the United States. More than 1.2 million Americans are affected by hepatitis B, and over 3 million have chronic hepatitis C, though many don’t know they are infected.

The liver is responsible for filtering from the bloodstream harmful substances such as dead cells, toxins, fats, hormones, and a yellowish substance called bilirubin, a byproduct of the breakdown of old red blood cells, says Rashmi Gulati, MD, medical director of Patients Medical in New York City.

If the liver is inflamed, tender, and enlarged, it becomes unable to function normally. As a result, toxins that would normally be filtered out by the liver build up in the body, and certain nutrients are not processed and stored as they should be.

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Black Americans And Ovarian Cancer

While ovarian cancer is more common in white women, studies show Black American women who have this type of cancer dont survive as long. Although there have been advances in treatments, not all racial groups have benefited equally when it comes to survival.

For instance, between 1975 and 2016, the five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer increased from 33 percent to 48 percent in white women but decreased from 44 percent to 41 percent in Black women.

Though the exact causes for these disparities arent known, some evidence has suggested that socioeconomic factors, such as access to healthcare, may play a role.

Researchers are currently conducting studies to try and understand more about why this discrepancy exists.

When Bloating Is A Sign Of Something More Serious

Each of the previous reasons for bloating can be overcome through diet, exercise, and mindful living. Although not as common, bloating may be an indication of a more serious condition that requires medical attention. The following are three conditions and what to look for.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that causes a change in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or both. These changes can cause stomach pain. If you are diagnosed with IBS, youre not alone according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, 10-15 percent of Americans have IBS. If you notice these symptoms or think you have IBS, see your doctor.

Crohns Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can cause bloating. It is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and/or fever. If you experience a combination of these symptoms, visit your doctor to get tested for Crohns disease.

Cancer. Dont panic! Most of the time bloating is a result of something very treatable. However, in rare cases, it can be a sign of a more serious illness such as cancer. If your bloating is combined with symptoms such as blood in the stool and weight loss, you may want to see your doctor who can check you for pancreatic or stomach cancer .

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How Is Liver Disease Diagnosed

Screening for liver disease typically starts with blood tests that check what is called liver biochemistries, or tests of the liver function, says Lindenmeyer.

If those are abnormal, then frequently we follow that up with an imaging study of the liver, whether it be an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI, she says. A specialized ultrasound device called FibroScan can give an estimate of the amount of scarring and fatty buildup in the liver.

Its important to note that sometimes people who have liver disease may have no evidence of abnormalities in their blood, says Lindenmeyer.

In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to see how much scarring is in the liver.

Given that hepatitis C is often asymptomatic, screening baby boomers is critical for early diagnosis, says Lindenmeyer. We have excellent medications for hepatitis C that have excellent cure rates. Its something that can halt the progression of liver disease and potentially even improve the liver once its been treated, she says.

People who have a history of alcohol abuse or are known to drink alcohol excessively should have their liver function tested, along with those with a history of liver disease, as well as people at risk for having a genetically inherited form of liver disease, says Lindenmeyer.

Remedies For Belly Fat

TOP 5 Reasons WHY YOU’RE BLOATED HOW TO RESOLVE

While a simple diet change helps get rid of bloat, belly fat takes a bit more work. Try for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Following a healthy diet filled with lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and lots of water can also help shed those pounds. It is important to remember that everyone gains and loses weight differently, so be sure talk to your doctor about what fits best for you.

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Uncommon Causes Of Upper Abdominal Pain Or Discomfort That May Be Confused With Dyspepsia

  • Aerophagy

  • Biliary colic from gall stones

  • Abdominal wall pain

  • Chronic pancreatitis

  • Malignancy

  • Mesenteric vascular insufficiency

  • Angina

  • Anaemia due to iron deficiency

  • Recent onset of persistent symptoms

  • Melaena, haematemesis

  • Dysphagia

However, the risk of gastric cancer is extremely low in patients under the age of 55 years presenting with the new onset of dyspepsia in most Western countries including Britain. Furthermore, alarm symptoms such as weight loss, dysphagia, or anaemia help to identify those who need to be investigated in order to exclude malignancy, although between 15% and 50% of dyspeptic patients with gastric cancer do not have these symptoms. Endoscopic evaluation is therefore recommended in older patients presenting with new symptoms and in all patients with alarm symptoms.

Eat The Right Amount Of Fibre

Sometimes a low fibre diet is prescribed to people who suffer with bloating because of bowel problems.

Foods like lentils, beans, broccoli, asparagus, corn, wheat, potatoes, artificial sweeteners or too much fibre can cause bloating, says Mr Chophada. Keeping a food diary to see if any specific foods trigger your symptoms and trying an elimination diet can help.

Your gut bugs have a bit of a party when you feed them fibre, which can shake things up while your gut adjusts. So you might find yourself a little bloated or windy, adds The Gut Stuff team. Try to increase your fibre intake by 5g per day per week over a few weeks to reduce the risk of bloating, advises the team.

If you love bread, here are some breads that may not make you bloat.

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Having A Food Intolerance

Typically, if someone is feels bloated, it is because of their food or water intake, but even if you havent eaten too much, you may have eaten the wrong thing. Certain food intolerances or sensitives to spicy or acidic foods can cause the gastrointestinal tract to have a more difficult time than usual.

An undiagnosed intolerance to foods can cause a lot of bloating, Hoffman said. The body is trying to break down the foods for the body to use, and a lot of gas can be the result of that work.

If you experience a lot of bloating, try keeping a food journal to track what you eat, when you notice bloating and the amount of discomfort you experience.

Prognosis Of Ovarian Cancer

Why is My Stomach Bloated?  Entirely Health

Ovarian cancer poses an outsize threat because it tends to be detected only after it has moved beyond the ovaries to other parts of the body.

Roughly 8 in 10 women are diagnosed after ovarian cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or metastasized to other organs or tissues.

In general, the later ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the harder it is to treat.

While women diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer have a five-year relative survival rate of about 92 percent, the five-year relative survival rate for all stages is only 47 percent.

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Types Of Ovarian Tumors

The ovaries are made up of three types of cells, each of which has the potential to become malignant.

Epithelial ovarian tumors These are by far the most common type of ovarian tumors and the most likely to be malignant. They develop from cells that cover the outside surface of the ovaries.

These tumors can be benign , borderline , or malignant.

The last group, also called carcinomas, account for between 85 and 90 percent of all ovarian cancers.

Ovarian germ cell tumors These develop in the ova and are usually benign. This category includes a type called a dermoid cyst.

The malignant kind accounts for less than 2 percent of all ovarian cancers.

Ovarian stromal tumors These develop in the structural tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce estrogen and progesterone.

They make up only about 1 percent of all ovarian cancers.

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 .
  • 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 dont help, consider taking a fiber supplement.
  • Avoid dairy products if you notice they cause gas and bloating.
  • Quit smoking.

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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.

When To Talk To Your Health Care Provider

Why is my stomach bloated and hard?

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 Happens If Liver Disease Goes Untreated

Untreated liver disease can result in cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, which carries its own spectrum of complications, according to Lindenmeyer. Once patients have cirrhosis, or end stages scarring of the liver, theyre at risk for developing whats called portal hypertension, she says.

Portal hypertension is a high pressure system in the liver that causes complications that can be associated with ascites and edema , as well as gastrointestinal bleeding.

Confusion can result from advanced or end-stage liver disease and infections, says Lindenmeyer. This happens when the liver isnt adequately removing toxins from your blood and they build up in the brain.

Alternative And Complementary Therapies

Some women with ovarian cancer turn to alternative therapies to ease their symptoms and side effects.

Common therapies include:

Scientists continue to look for ways to reduce a womans risk of developing ovarian cancer.

For now, they have identified two protective factors:

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding Women who become pregnant before age 26 and carry to term are at lower risk, with each subsequent full-term pregnancy diminishing the risk further. Breastfeeding has an effect too, perhaps because it prevents ovulation. The risk for cell mutation, which can lead to cancer, is greater the more you ovulate.
  • Birth control Women who have used oral contraceptives are at lower risk. So are women whove had a tubal ligation or used an intrauterine device for a short time. Women whove had a hysterectomy also see their ovarian cancer risk drop by a third.

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What Is Stomach Bloating

As per the definition of the US News, stomach bloating or swollen stomach can be defined as, The terms bloating and abdominal distension are often used interchangeably. Technically, bloating is a temporary feeling of fullness, usually due to intestinal gas while abdominal distension refers to a visible, measurable increase in the stomachs size. Passing gas, belching or having a bowel movement may or may not provide relief.

Quite simply, you know it when you have stomach bloating. To find out why you and your doctor or dietitian need to do some detective work.

Working With A Doctor

Stomach bloating is a very Common problem for both woman ...

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.

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What Is Bloating What Does Feeling Bloated Mean

Why am I so bloated? Abdominal bloating or “feeling bloated” is a very frequent and familiar symptom most people have experienced at some time in their lives. There are many reasons you may feel bloated. Most causes are simple, harmless, and easily treatable with over-the-counter or home remedies. Very rarely, abdominal bloating is caused by something more serious, leading to a rapid worsening of uncomfortable symptoms.

The definition of “bloated” is swelling or distension, and it usually refers to abdominal bloating, which is a distended belly. Bloating may be accompanied by burping , gas , abdominal discomfort, and a feeling of fullness. People sometimes refer to abdominal bloating as a “bloated stomach” or “bloated belly.”

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