This post was written by Priya Hotwani, MD, PPG – Internal Medicine, Parkview Residency Center.
Bloating is a common gastrointestinal complaint often accompanied by an uncomfortable sensation that causes your stomach to feel excessively full and tight, often due to trapped gas. Distension can make your belly look like you've smuggled a beach ball under your shirt and can lead to mild discomfort or even severe pain. This ache can transform simple everyday activities into an uncomfortable ordeal, diminishing your overall enjoyment of life. Here, we'll explore the common causes of bloating, its effects on your body and a few practical tips to help you deflate the bloat.
What causes general bloating?
Bloating has several causes, making it often difficult to pinpoint the exact source. Here are a few reasons you may be experiencing bloating:
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Excess gas - Imagine having a little party in your gut where everyone's blowing up balloons. This overproduction of gas can be caused by swallowing air when eating or drinking or the breakdown of certain foods.
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Food sensitivities - Some foods, like uninvited guests, can cause chaos. Common culprits include lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivities, which occur when the body has difficulty digesting certain substances.
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Digestive disorders - Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects the large intestine, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), can make your digestive system misbehave.
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Stress and hormones - Stress and hormones can both contribute to bloating by affecting your body's natural processes. For example, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can cause water retention and bloating.
What impact does bloating have on the body?
When bloated, your abdomen can feel stretched like a drum and sometimes even look visibly swollen. Bloating is often accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas, burping and abdominal pain. Sometimes, these signs can indicate underlying issues like IBS or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Certain foods, like beans, carbonated drinks and fatty foods, can exacerbate bloating. Additionally, conditions like constipation, characterized by difficulty passing stools, lactose intolerance, an inability to digest lactose, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, can present symptoms similar to bloating. Recognizing and managing these factors can help alleviate the severity of bloating and improve overall comfort.
What are ways to treat bloating at home?
Most cases of bloating can be relieved at home by making mindful changes to your lifestyle and diet. Here are some practical and effective ways to deflate your bloat:
- Dietary adjustments: Avoid foods that make you gassy and eat slowly to cut down on swallowed air.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Proper hydration supports your digestive system.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help move gas through your system faster.
- Over-the-counter remedies: Products like simethicone can pop those gas bubbles in your digestive tract.
If your bloating is persistent and severe, or if it comes with symptoms like weight loss, severe pain or blood in your stool, it's time to speak with your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist. These could be signs of something more serious that needs professional attention.
Final thoughts
To further manage your bloating, consider keeping a food diary to identify any triggers and practice stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation. Remember, listening to your body and seeking professional advice when needed can make a significant difference in managing bloating effectively.
Include a resident physician as part of your internal medicine care team
The Parkview Residency Center offers the unique opportunity to have a resident physician as part of your care team. Patients with a resident physician as part of their care team have access to:
- An individualized care plan with oversight by two highly qualified physicians.
- The latest health information, practices and treatments.
- Focused attention to help you achieve your health goals, such as understanding your personal test results.
For more information, visit parkview.com/ResidencyFAQs.
