Abdominal Bloating: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

What is Abdominal Bloating?

Abdominal Bloating can be defined as a protrusion (distention) of the abdomen that is usually accompanied by an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. It is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) symptom that is highly common in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and organic disorders. This health condition may result in the stomach appearing larger than normal and clothing feeling tight around the waist.

Generally, Bloating is inadequately treated and incompletely understood. It is a subjective and common ailment that can affect patients of all ages.

Symptoms of Abdominal Bloating

Generally, abdominal bloating does not cause serious complications but you should seek immediate medical intervention if you are experiencing signs such as diarrhea, blood in the stool, or severe or persistent abdominal pain. Abdominal bloating symptoms may include loss of appetite, changes in the frequency or color of the stool, feeling immediate fullness while having meals, and unexplained weight loss.

Bloating is rarely a serious cause of concern if it doesn't get worse over time, associated with eating or food, or goes away within a day or two.

Abdominal bloating symptoms may include stomach pain, gas, discomfort, loss of appetite, bloating, constipation, heartburn, and feeling full very quickly while eating.

Causes of Abdominal Bloating

Bloating is usually the result of eating habits or specific beverages and foods that result in the buildup of gases (oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, or sulfur) in the digestive system.

The causes of Abdominal Bloating include:

• Excessive eating:

  If you eat more than normal, it will stretch enough to protrusion.

• Eating too fast:

  The consumption of food without taking breaks doesn't provide your brain and stomach enough time to acknowledge the signs of fullness (satiety).

• High-fiber foods:

  Whole grains and fiber-rich foods may result in bloating, especially if individuals are not habitual in eating those foods.

• Constipation:

  Stool backed up in the bowels for long may lead to distention of the lower abdomen.

• Alcohol consumption:

  Alcohol, irrespective of its type, can lead to temporary puffiness by irritating the stomach's lining. Bubby alcoholic beverages such as beer, soda-mixed cocktails, and champagne might be highly problematic.

• Lactose intolerance:

  Individuals who don't have enough lactase enzyme in the body, that is required for digesting the sugar in dairy products suffer from lactose intolerance. This may result in bloating and nausea after consuming dairy products.

• Gluten sensitivity:Some individuals who are gluten sensitive or who are diagnosed with coeliac disease may experience abdominal bloating and gas after consuming gluten-rich foods

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS):

  Some food products like certain fruits and vegetables, dairy products, or artificial sweeteners may cause uncomfortable discomfort or gas.

Some of the other Abdominal Bloating causes are:

• Acid reflux
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Intestinal obstruction
• Constipation
• H. Pylori infection
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Celiac disease or gluten/lactose intolerance
• Diverticulitis
• Endometriosis
• Hernia
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• E. coli infection
• Appendicitis
• Hookworm infection

Abdominal bloating causes may include amoebiasis, short bowel syndrome, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, stomach or ovarian cancer, or cystic fibrosis. Abdominal bloating may also be a result of other severe health conditions. Individuals with gallbladder diseases or gallstones may also notice severe abdominal pain that mimics bloating. Intestine or stomach cancers can also lead to bloating or abdominal discomfort. Ascites, fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity, is another health condition that results in bloating and abdominal pain.

Treatment of Abdominal Bloating

Bloating may be safely treated at home with over-the-counter medications such as bismuth salicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or antacids. A heating pad may be applied to the stomach to alleviate abdominal bloating. Drinking carbonated water or eating peppermint may also be useful in reducing abdominal bloating.

Learn more about abdominal bloating symptoms, causes, and treatment by contacting the Samadhan Gastro and Dental Clinic.

Tips And Precautions

• Bowel movements can be facilitated with physical activity that helps in the release of stool and excess gas. You may have a brisk walk around the block to get fast relief from gas pressure.
• Happy Baby Pose, Squats, and Child’s Pose can help in relieving gas buildup quickly.
• Peppermint oil capsules may be beneficial to treat indigestion and associated gas.
• Simethicone pills and liquid can be helpful to relieve upper abdominal bloating.
• Massaging the abdomen may be tried as part of the upper abdominal bloating treatment process.
• Taking a warm, soaking, and relaxing bath may be helpful to relieve upper abdominal bloating.
• The consumption of foods rich in fermentable carbs and fibers or high in sulfur such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, artichokes, kale, asparagus, apples, peaches, pears, beer, and carbonated drinks should be avoided.
• It is best to eat at regular intervals and you should have several smaller meals each day to keep the digestive system healthy and moving
• You should avoid drinking from a straw as it may make you swallow more air that can cause upper abdominal bloating and gas.
• You should avoid swallowing food quickly as it can introduce air into the digestive tract.
• Taking a probiotic supplement can assist in the regulation of colon bacteria that produces gas and causes upper abdominal bloating.
• A low-FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) diet can help in improving abdominal bloating symptoms. You should avoid lentils, dairy products with lactose, artificial sweeteners, beans, and wheat. Ideally, you should have non-dairy milk, small servings of seeds and nuts, meat, fish, lactose-free dairy chicken, eggs, soy, rice, hard cheeses, oats, and quinoa.

Why Choose Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal for Treatment?

If you are looking for the best gastroenterologist in Delhi or the best hepatologist in Delhi, you should contact Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal at Samadhan Gastro and Dental Clinic who can help you understand abdominal bloating symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal is a renowned gastroenterologist who has successfully treated hundreds of patients who were suffering from severe abdominal pain and health complications of the digestive system and the gastrointestinal tract. He is considered the best gastroenterologist in Delhi having years of experience in performing state-of-the-art initial diagnosis, endoscopic services, and treatment of digestive conditions.

At Samadhan Gastro and Dental Clinic, Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal helps in alleviating pain and discomfort of patients who are diagnosed with or suffering from the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract complications such as abdominal bloating. The techniques such as single balloon enteroscopy, upper endoscopy, and colonoscopy are used for diagnosis and treatment.

He believes in treating not just the disease, but also treating people by providing the best possible and compassionate care to each and every patient who walks through the doors of the Samadhan Gastro and Dental Clinic with the hope of effective and affordable treatment. If you are suffering from gastroenterological diseases, Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal would be the best one in Delhi to consult for expert guidance and an empathetic approach.