Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Home Remedies

Sometimes you might notice that your belly seems swollen or misshapen, or you might even experience sharp abdominal pain; this is termed as abdominal bloating. Abdominal bloating is a general problem today. It is not a severe issue in most cases, but it can be alarming.

In most cases of bloating, it is a case of indigestion or too much gas build-up. In such instances, bloating subsides with home remedies.

What are the common causes of abdominal bloating?

Abdominal bloating is a common problem. Every person experiences this at least once in their life. Some exceptions are where people experience bloating periodically. This periodic bloating is nothing to worry about if it does not cause immense discomfort.

When the patterns change or the pain spikes, it becomes a case of concern.

Bloating might be due to the following reasons:

Gas build-up

If there is a high build-up of gas in your stomach, it may result in abdominal bloating. Such a condition may arise if your body is unable to release the trapped air. Usually, our body releases air through burping.

Indigestion

Most people experience bloating related to indigestion periodically. This periodic bloating can be caused by overeating, drinking excessive alcohol, consuming medications that irritate the stomach , and stomach infections. But, if the bloating due to indigestion is too frequent, then you must visit a doctor .

Infection in the stomach

Stomach infections can cause bloating and gas build-up. You might experience signs like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and nausea. Infections can be a cause of concern if signs like bloody stools, fever, and dehydration start showing up. You must seek immediate medical help in such cases.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Growth (SIBO)

Our intestines are home to many kinds of bacteria. These bacteria help us digest the food better. When this balance of bacteria gets disturbed, a lot of problems arise. One of these problems is the growth of harmful bacteria. SIBO can cause problems in absorbing nutrients from the food and bloating . SIBO might even lead to weight gain and osteoporosis.

Fluid retention in the abdomen

Eating salty food and hormonal changes can lead to fluid retention in your body. Some women even feel bloated just before their periods and pregnancy. Some chronic fluid retention problems can be severe. Some of these problems are kidney failure and diabetes. Seek advice from a doctor if your abdominal bloating does not subside.

Food intolerance

If a person who is lactose intolerant ingests lactose, they become bloated. This bloating subsides with time. Though it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Chronic disorders

Diseases like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease can cause bloating frequently. These diseases cause diarrhea, gas, unintentional weight loss, and vomiting.

Gynecological disorders

Some gynecological issues manifest as bloating. Endometriosis is a significant issue where the womb attaches to the stomach lining. At times, pelvic pain is also perceived as bloating.

Constipation

It is a common issue. Due to our food choices, we may be prone to constipation. Constipation often causes bloating. There can be different causes of constipation, including dehydration, lack of fiber in the diet, pregnancy, etc.

Other reasons

Less frequently, abdominal bloating may be caused due to some serious issues. People suffering from gall bladder stones, cancers of the stomach , ovary, intestine, etc., may frequently experience bloating and discomfort. Ascites and ulcers are also major reasons for bloating, which require medical assistance.

When do you need to seek medical help for abdominal bloating?

Even after trying home remedies, some bloating issues might not resolve without proper medical assistance. Let us look at some of the serious causes of bloating:

● Accumulation of pathologic fluid in the abdomen due to cancer, kidney failure, congestive heart failure, etc.

● Gluten intolerance.

● Impaired digestion due to pancreatic insufficiency.

● GI tract perforation, which leads to the escape of gas and bacteria into the abdomen cavity.

For medical assistance regarding abdominal bloating,

Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

Home remedies for bloating – Treat it naturally

Some home remedies for abdominal bloating are:

● Don’t eat too much

You must avoid overeating at all times, and must eat as per your requirement. We generally overeat when served tasty food. We should have enough to satisfy our hunger and not our taste buds.

People could experience bloating even with consuming slightly large amounts of food. Chewing your food properly also prevents bloating

● Know about your food allergies

Food allergies are common. You must know about the food allergies that you are suffering from. You must keep away from consuming these allergens at all costs. You can find food alternatives to the foods you are allergic to.

● Avoid swallowing air

Avoid gulping down beverages. Gulping ingests air in your system, which can result in bloating. Avoid carbonated and fizzy drinks, chewing gums, drinking through a straw, eating while talking, as they cause bloating.

Be careful about sugar alcohols, like xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol. These safe alternatives to sugar might mess up your digestive tract. The bacteria in the large intestine consume these and produce gas.

● Take digestive enzyme supplements

Some counter enzymes may help relieve abdominal bloating. These enzymes help break down challenging carbohydrates, which your body is unable to digest.

● Relieve constipation

You can avoid constipation by eating healthy. By consuming more roughage and water, you can relieve constipation. Roughage helps with better digestion, and water-soluble fiber is preferred to ease constipation.

● Consume probiotics

Probiotics are an essential part of your diet. Probiotics help you maintain a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria. Curd is a rich source of probiotics. You can have a serving of curd every day. You can even consume over-the-counter probiotics.

● Peppermint oil will help you with bloating

Study shows that Irritatable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be eased with peppermint oil. It provides relief from the symptoms quickly.

● Wrapping up

Never ignore abdominal bloating symptoms, as they may turn out to be more serious than you think . Always consult your doctor and take proper medical assistance if the home remedies fail to ease your symptoms and improve your condition. The issue of abdominal bloating can be resolved permanently with the help and guidance of your doctor.