Bloating
Bloating is a sensation of abdominal fullness.
- This commonly occurs as a result of a buildup of gas somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract, may be associated with gastrointestinal disorders or organic diseases.
- About 16-30% of people report that they regularly experience bloating, so it is very common.
- Bloating can cause discomfort, and sometimes pain and have a negative impact on the quality of life for some individuals.
- Bloating and distention are not the same. Bloating can be described as the feeling that there is an inflated balloon in the abdomen, distention refers to a visible increase in measured abdominal size.
- Abdominal bloating and distention can occur together, but that may not always be the case.
- Studies in people reporting bloating have shown that only half also have abdominal distention.
- The main reason to differentiate between bloating and distention is that there may be different underlying causes, so different treated may be needed.
CAUSES
There are many causes of bloating, they include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Swallowing air when eating too fast or drinking frizzy drinks
- Constipation
- Food intolerance usually to milk (lactose intolerance), fructose intolerance, wheat, and gluten
- Hormones, especially before a period or during menopause
- Food allergy
- Overeating
- Celiac disease
- Certain medications such as phentermine
- Massive infestation with intestinal parasites
- Gas-producing foods including legumes like beans and lentils
- Polycystic ovary syndrome and ovarian cyst
- Diverticulosis
- Dehydration
- Intra-abdominal tumors such as those from cancers of the ovarian, liver, stomach and uterus
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Gastroparesis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
SYMPTOMS
- a sensation that the abdomen is full
- sharp pain that may occur anywhere in the body and change locations rapidly
A doctor should be consulted if bloating is accompanied by:
- diarrhea
- bloody stools
- chest discomfort
- loss of appetite or feeling too full quickly
- persistent or severe abdominal pain
- unintended weight loss
- changes in the color of stool or frequency of stools
These signs could signal an underlying digestive condition
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
The doctor will start by asking you questions about your condition including symptoms, duration of the bloating, current medications and review your medical history.
The doctor then carries out a physical exam that includes palpating your stomach for masses or swelling, tap your tummy to identify any fluid present and listen to bowel sounds to detect any obstruction.
The doctor may suggest certain diet trial to determine if there is a particular food is triggering your bloating.
To help rule out lactose, fructose or sucrose intolerances, a breath test may be recommended,
Investigations are needed in some patients especially if serious symptoms are present. Imaging studies such as Ultrasound, CT scan, endoscopy may be used.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the underlying cause
Bloating will usually resolve itself by making certain lifestyle and dietary changes. This may include:
- avoiding carbonated beverages
- eating small, frequent meals at a reasonable pace
- avoid chewing gum as this predisposes to air swallowing
- gas producing foods such as beans, lentils should be avoided
- regular exercises
- taking a walk after each meal
Bloating caused by constipation can be treated by eating more high-fiber foods, exercising regularly and increasing fluid intake.
Food enzymes can be taken before food is consumed or added to food that causes gas and bloating.
Another form of treatment is antacids. Antacids enable gas buildup to be belched away more easily, reducing the amount of bloating that develops.
Simethicone, an oral anti-foaming agent that helps the body to expel gas more quickly can also be used.
If any medical condition is causing bloating, such will be treated.