Wondering why your stomach looks so bloated these days? Does your abdomen hurt or are you experiencing a tight and swollen tummy? Are you confusing it with gaining weight because you were indulging in the fast food? Most people don’t recognize a bloated stomach issue even with its regular symptoms. Bloating is often accompanied by:
- Pain
- Excessive gas
- Water weight
- Frequent burping or belching
- Abdominal rumbling or gurgles
Abdominal bloating can really affect you. A survey says people who tend to take more sick leaves and take medications a little too often are usually suffering from one or the other causes of a bloated stomach. It has become so common these days that it is spreading like an epidemic.
Check out these symptoms of a Bloating Stomach
- A Fever
- Skin Rashes
- Watery eyes, itchy throat and any signs of allergies
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Blood in your urine or stool
- A sudden drop in weight
- Fatigue
- Brain fog and trouble focusing
- Irregular periods
- Hemorrhoids
- Excessive Gas
The usual causes of abdominal bloating could be:
- Allergies – Certain Food allergies, sensitivity or lactose intolerance is the most common reason for bloating and gas. One can always be allergic to nuts, apples or a certain food that could trigger bloating in them.
- Hormonal Imbalances – Though it may differ from woman to woman, PMS has been evident complaints among the majority for bloating. It could be accompanied by other symptoms like severe cramping, water retention, and constipation.
- Bowel obstruction– Caused by a scar tissue or a tumor in either the small intestine or the colon. Doesn’t really have to be the actual bloated stomach in this case especially when it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
- Gut Issues– Constipation, diarrhea caused by eating spicy food, unhygienic food which may start off initially as food poisoning can be a real troublemaker for your guts.
- Thyroid dysfunction– One of the major reasons for bloating can be you are suffering from thyroid. It is always better to get a checkup done to strike out any such doubt. Because thyroid patients tend to have a lot of swelling in their body.
- SIBO – Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is caused by high levels of abnormal bacteria living in the digestive tract, usually in the bowel. When harmful bacteria or viruses take over, they damage your stomach lining and cause bloating.
- Infection– Check for signs of a fever, redness and pain, and swollen lymph nodes, which usually accompany a serious infection. The rise in inflammation because of this can cause bloating.
Other causes
Abdominal bloating can also be a symptom of some serious conditions:
- Pathologic fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites) as a result of cancer (e.g., ovarian cancer). Liver disease, kidney failure, or congestive heart failure could be the signs of this disease.
- Celiac disease or gluten intolerance. It can be witnessed in children and adults alike.
- Pancreatic insufficiency, which is impaired digestion because the pancreas cannot produce enough digestive enzymes.
- Perforation of the Gastric tract with an escape of gas, normal GI tract bacteria, and other contents into the abdominal cavity. A few clinical tests are must with anything related to your gut.
Treatment & Precautions
- Limit your carbonated drinks intake.
- Do not swallow the chewing gum, Chewing gum can cause you to swallow extra air, which in turn can lead to bloating.
- Avoid foods if they cause acidity in your – cauliflower, beans etc.
- Eat slowly and avoid drinking fluids through a straw.
- Use lactose-free dairy products if you can’t handle lactose.
- Eat more of probiotics present in Greek yogurt, kefir to maintain a healthy gut
Consult a doctor if the bloating period has prolonged for more than a week. You might need some medications to bring it down. A balanced diet and regular workout is a good way to acknowledge the body you have been blessed with.
