ABDOMINAL BLOATING


 Abdominal bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with air or gas. The abdomen may also be swollen (distended), hard, and painful.


Bloating is often accompanied by:

Pain

Excessive gas (flatulence)

Frequent burping or belching

Abdominal rumbling or gurgles.


*CAUSES OF BLOATING*

Constipation - A lot of people don't even know they're constipated. While having fewer bowel movements than normal is a symptom of constipation, one may still be constipated even if he/she has regular bowel movements. Other symptoms of constipation include:

Straining to start or finish a bowel movement

Stool that looks like rocks and pebbles


Constipation can contribute to abdominal pain and bloating. The longer the stool sits in the colon, the more time bacteria have, to ferment what is there.


Gas and air - Gas is the most common cause of bloating, especially after eating. Gas builds up in the digestive tract when undigested food gets broken down or when air is swallowed.


Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) - People who have had intestinal surgery and/or IBS with diarrhea are more likely to have SIBO, which can cause bloating. Most healthy people have relatively few bacteria in the small intestine.


Gut sensitivity - People with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be extremely sensitive to gas. Gas can cause pain, cramping and diarrhea.


Gynecological conditions - Sometimes problems with the ovaries or uterus may also cause bloating.

Burping and flatulence are two ways swallowed air leaves the body. Delayed emptying of the stomach in addition to gas accumulation can also cause bloating and abdominal distension.


*Medical causes*

Bloating may also be due to medical conditions. These may include:

Weight gain

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa

Hormonal flux (especially for women)

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs)


Heartburn

Mental health factors such as stress, anxiety, depression

Food intolerance

Giardiasis (intestinal parasite infection)



*SERIOUS CAUSES*

Abdominal bloating can also be a symptom of several serious conditions, including:

Ascites (Pathologic fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity), as a result of cancer, liver disease, kidney failure, or congestive heart failure.


Pancreatic insufficiency, which is impaired digestion because the pancreas cannot produce enough digestive enzymes

Perforation of the GI tract with escape of gas, normal GI tract bacteria, and other contents into the abdominal cavity


*SYMPTOMS OF BLOATING*

Common symptoms of bloating include discomfort, stomach pain, and gas. One may also experience burping or frequent belching or have abdominal rumbling or gurgling.

Severe bloating may occur with other serious symptoms, such as:

Diarrhea

Blood in the stool

Vaginal bleeding

Vomiting

Nausea

Heartburn that is getting worse

Noticeable weight loss

Fever (due to an infection)


WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

Consult a doctor if bloating is accompanied by any of the following:

Worsening heartburn

Unexplained weight loss

Vomiting

Severe or prolonged abdominal pain

Blood in the stools, or dark, tarry looking stools

High fevers

Diarrhea

 



*PREVENTING AND AVOIDING BLOATING*

Reduce or avoid drinking carbonated drinks

Avoid the foods that are known to cause gas. (E.g. cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and beans) etc.

Eat slowly

Avoid chewing gum.

Quit smoking.

Avoid using straws for drinking.

Reduce or avoid eating and drinking foods and drinks that include fructose or sorbitol (artificial sweeteners are often found in “sugar-free” foods).

Eat foods high-fiber to prevent constipation. Or consider taking a fiber supplement.

Avoid dairy products if they cause gas and bloating.


*CHECK UP DIAGNOSTICS*

©️ *DOTSE MEDICAL CENTRE*

CENTRIFUGE DIAGNOSTIC

       Free  Consultation   +233245530580

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