What Is Bloating?
Bloating, also known as meteorism or tympanites, is a common feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen caused by excessive gas buildup in your digestive system. It can sometimes be accompanied by frequent belching or gurgling noises in your belly.
Temporary bloating is usually nothing to worry about and might be relieved by simple dietary changes. However, if you experience persistent bloating and gas, or if bloating is accompanied by severe pain, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying causes.
Common Causes of Bloating
Common causes of bloating can be organised into two categories:
Non-serious Causes:
- Over-eating: Stretching your stomach can cause temporary bloating and discomfort.
- Dietary Intolerances: Difficulty digesting certain foods can lead to gas and bloating.
- Eating Gas-producing Foods: Dairy products, beans, and certain fruits and vegetables.
- Eating Too Quickly: Swallowing air while eating can contribute to bloating.
- Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise can slow digestion and contribute to bloating.
- Menstruation (In Women): Hormonal changes can cause bloating and water retention.
Potentially Serious Causes:
- Gastroparesis – Delayed stomach emptying can lead to bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
- Intestinal Disorders – irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) – Excessive bacteria in the small intestine ferment carbohydrates, producing gas and bloating.
- Gastrointestinal Transit Disorders – Slow or rapid movement of food such as constipation or diarrhoea.
- Gastric Hypersecretion – Overproduction of gastric acid, which can irritate the stomach lining.
- Malabsorption or Maldigestion of Carbohydrates – Difficulty breaking down certain carbohydrates.
These conditions can be serious because they can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even internal bleeding in some cases.
When Should I Be Concerned?
While bloating is a common digestive complaint, it can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. Here are some signs that you should be concerned about your bloating:
Persistent Digestive Issues
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Abdominal pain or discomfort (cramping, severe, or persistent)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Frequent or bloody diarrhoea
- Heartburn
Unexplained Weight Changes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sudden/Rapid weight gain
Bleeding
- Blood in your stool or vomit
- Vaginal bleeding (between periods or postmenopausal)
Other Concerning Symptoms
- Fever (indicating an infection)
- Constant fatigue
If your bloating is persistent or accompanied by any of the aforementioned symptoms, consult a doctor to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
How Is Bloating Diagnosed?
Your doctor will take a detailed medical history, inquiring about your symptoms, any medications you take, and past medical conditions. physical examination may involve gently feeling your abdomen to assess for tenderness or swelling. Discussing your diet can also be helpful, as certain food intolerances or sensitivities can contribute to bloating.
If the initial steps do not provide a clear diagnosis, gastroscopy often becomes the preferred method for diagnosing bloating. This minimally invasive procedure allows your doctor to directly visualise your upper gastrointestinal tract, which leads to a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan to address the bloating.
Treatment for Bloating
Bloating can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. Fortunately, there are treatment options available. Consulting a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan is essential. This ensures optimal symptom management and addresses any underlying health conditions contributing to the bloating. Here are some strategies to manage bloating:
Dietary Modifications
Maintaining a food diary to detect bloating triggers can be a highly effective tool. Foods high in fat, simple carbohydrates, and certain vegetables such as beans and cruciferous vegetables are commonly known to cause bloating. The low FODMAP diet, which limits fermentable carbohydrates, has shown to be effective in reducing bloating.
Eating Habits
Swallowing air while eating can contribute to bloating. Eating slowly and mindfully, avoiding drinking fluids through a straw, and skipping sugary or carbonated drinks can all help. Consider smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of a few large ones.
Lifestyle Changes
Regular exercise can lead to increased peristalsis and emptying of gas from the intestine. Managing stress and getting adequate sleep can improve digestion and potentially ease bloating.
Medication
Depending on the underlying cause of the bloating, your doctor may prescribe various types of medication, such as corticosteroids, antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and biologics. Additionally, over-the-counter medications such as probiotics, activated charcoal, and antiflatulents may provide relief from bloating.