Firstly there are many reasons or causes of Bloated Stomach, including fluid retention, irritable bowel syndrome, and infection. Sometimes the cause of bloating will be harmless which can be treated at home.
Bloated Stomach can be a serious issue when it is very painful. Some people notice that their stomach looks swollen, or they may experience acute abdominal pain. however the cause may be something as simple as indigestion or too much gas building up in the stomach and bowels.
Therefore Dont panic if Bloating:
- is associated with food or eating
- does not get worse with time
- goes away within a day or two
Here we look at the causes of Bloated Stomach, how to treat it, and when to see a doctor.
The Causes for Bloated Stomach
Abdominal bloating is not unusual. Many people experience the same type of bloating repeatedly.
When the bloating becomes worse, it may be because of one of the following conditions:
Bloated Stomach because of Abdominal Gas Buildup
in many cases Abdominal bloating can be treated at home
A Gas buildup in the stomach and intestines is most common causes of bloating. however other possible symptoms include:
- excessive belching
- excessive flatulence
- feeling an intense urge to have a bowel movement
- feeling nauseous
Bloating caused by gas can have mild to intense pain.
Gas can be caused by:
- certain foods
- a stomach infection
- chronic illnesses
- indigestion
- other conditions
Usually the gas buildup goes away on its own after some time.
Bloated Stomach because of Indigestion
Indigestion, causes discomfort or pain in the stomach.
It is often caused by:
- eating too much
- excessive alcohol
- medications
- a minor stomach infection
Frequent indigestion which is not associated with food or other apparent causes could be a sign of something serious. Please have a checkup with doctor.
Bloated Stomach because of Stomach Infection
Stomach infections can cause gas, sometimes it is also be accompanied by:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- nausea
- stomach pain
These are often due to bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Helicobacter pylori, or a viral infection such as norovirus or rotavirus.
Stomach infections usually go away on their own after a few days. However, if it gets worse then visit a Doctor. These individuals should see a doctor if the bloating coincides with:
- fever
- bloody stool
- severe and frequent vomiting
Bloated Stomach because of Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
The stomach and intestines consists of a variety of bacteria which help the body digest food. Disturbing the balance of these bacteria leads to an increase in harmful bacteria present in the small intestine. This is known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO.
SIBO can cause bloating, frequent diarrhea, and may lead to difficulties digesting food and absorbing nutrients, osteoporosis or unintentional weight loss.
Bloated Stomach because of Body Fluid retention
Eating salty foods, having food intolerance, and experiencing change in hormone levels can all cause a person’s body to retain more fluid. Some women find that they are bloated immediately before getting their periods or early in pregnancy.
Bloating due to fluid retention could have a serious cause, such as diabetes or kidney failure. If the bloating does not go away, a person should speak to a doctor.
Bloated Stomach because of Some Food Intolerance
Bloating after eating certain foods. The bloating usually goes away on its own but may be linked to diarrhea or stomach pain.
Bloated Stomach because of Chronic disorders
Chronic gut disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease, can also cause frequent bloating. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract, whereas IBS is poorly understood and is often diagnosed when chronic gut symptoms have no obvious cause.
Both IBS and Crohn’s can cause gas, diarrhea, vomiting, and unintentional weight loss.
Gastroparesis
The stomach muscles stop working properly, causing food to pass slowly through the stomach and intestines.
Symptoms include:
- bloating
- constipation
- feeling full very quickly when eating
- loss of appetite
- heartburn
- nausea and vomiting
- pain and discomfort
Another condition, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, usually causes gastroparesis.
Gynecological Disorders
Certainly Some gynecological problems may cause stomach pain.
Constipation
Constipation often causes bloating. For example causes of constipation are:
- dehydration
- not enough fiber in the diet
- food intolerance
- pregnancy
- certain bowel disorders
- nutrient deficiencies, including magnesium
- certain medicines
In most people, constipation are temperory.
Other causes
Abdominal bloating may also be due to other serious conditions like gallstones or gallbladder disease, Cancers, Ascites etc
.
Home Treatments
Bloating can usually be safely treated at home. For example some options that may help include:
- over-the-counter medications, including antacids
- applying a heat pad to the stomach
- drinking water
- eating peppermint
- drinking carbonated water
- taking a laxative to relieve constipation
Many people find that simply avoiding certain foods can prevent bloating and other gastrointestinal health issues.
When to see a doctor
Bloating could be a sign of something serious. So a person should see a doctor for bloating if:
- intense pain
- a fever
- vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours, or if it is impossible to keep any food down
- bloody stools
- a physical injury, such as a punch to the stomach or a car accident
- rapid swelling of the abdomen or anywhere else in the body
- surgery
- liver or kidney failure
Source: medicalnewstoday