We always relate bloating to feeling full, however, for many people the indicates a chronicle underlying condition.
Bloating is a condition when your belly feels full and tight. This occurs often due to the gas inside your stomach. One of the common causes of bloating is constipation. This is because when the stool stays in the colon for a longer period, bacteria will get more time to ferment which produces gas.
Other causes of bloating
-People with a sensitive gut will are prone to bloating. They can be extremely sensitive to gas, which can cause pain, cramping, and diarrhea.
-Some people might have Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). People who have SIBO are more likely to bloat
-People who have undergone intestinal surgery and/or IBS with diarrhea are more likely to have SIBO, which ultimately causes bloating.
-People who have Gastroparesis suffer delayed stomach emptying, which can cause bloating, nausea and even bowel blockage. Women and people with diabetes are more likely to have it.
-Indigestion also known as dyspepsia can cause discomfort or pain. People experience brief sessions of indigestion from time to time. Indigestion can be caused by eating too much, excessive usage of alcohol, medications which irritate the stomach and minor stomach infection
-For people who are lactose intolerant or have any other food intolerance such as gluten allergy, celiac disease, etc can suffer from bloating
-Gynecological problems might cause pain in some women. Endometriosis can cause cramping and bloat for pregnant women. This happens due to the lining of the womb attaches to the stomach or intestines.
How do I prevent bloating?
Doctors always recommend a specific diet to prevent gas and bloating. This diet has low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP). This avoids fermentable, gas-producing food ingredients.
The following are some of the foods to avoid as per the above diet plan:
- Wheat, onions, garlic, legumes, and beans contain Oligosaccharides.
- Milk, yogurt and ice cream another lactose items contain Disaccharides
- Fructose, apples, and pears contain Monosaccharides
- Apricots, nectarines, plums and cauliflower, chewing gums and candies contain Polyols or sugar alcohol
When should I call for a Doctor?
Bloating is rarely seen as a danger. However, a person should see a doctor when bloating comes with:
- Intense pain
- Fever
- Vomiting for more than 24 hours
- Stools with blood presence
- A physical injury to the stomach
- Rapid swelling of stomach or anywhere else in the body
- Surgery