Bloating is a common gastrointestinal issue that can occur unexpectedly. While it is typically mild and tends to resolve on its own after a few hours, persistent abdominal bloating may signal a more serious health concern, requiring a special examination. This article discusses the possible causes of abdominal bloating and when it’s time to seek medical attention.

Causes of Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal bloating is often described as a sensation of fullness, tightness, pain, or pressure in your abdomen. It may or may not be accompanied by a visibly swollen abdomen. For most people, bloating disappears after a short time, but for some, it can be a recurring issue.

Some of the common causes of abdominal bloating include:

• Gastrointestinal issues: This may result from swallowing too much air, consuming carbonated drinks, the body is having difficulty metabolizing carbohydrates, or experiencing intestines motility problems.

• Hormonal changes: Women often experience abdominal bloating before or during their menstrual period or as they approach perimenopause. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can cause water retention, leading to a bloated feeling in the stomach.

• Other causes: Abdominal bloating that comes and goes may be a symptom of more serious conditions such as gastritis, intestinal inflammation, fluid buildup in the abdomen due to kidney or heart failure, or conditions like gastritis and enteritis. In some cases, bloating may also be linked to certain cancers, including those of the uterus, colon, pancreas, or stomach.

When Should You See a Doctor for Bloating?

While abdominal bloating is often manageable with home remedies, certain conditions that cause abdominal bloating and discomfort could point to more serious health problems. You should consult a doctor if abdominal bloating you experience is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• The bloating doesn’t improve after using over-the-counter remedies.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• A decrease in appetite.

• Chronic or frequent constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting.

• Persistent heartburn along with abdominal bloating.

• Blood or mucus in your stool.

You should also seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Intense, unbearable abdominal pain.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Chest pain.

• High fever.

When you visit the doctor, they will conduct a physical exam and review your complete medical history. They will ask about your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. After diagnosis, your doctor will recommend appropriate treatments, which may include lifestyle adjustments to fully address the bloating.

Tips to Prevent Abdominal Bloating

For mild bloating, regulating your diet can help prevent or alleviate the stomach discomfort. Certain foods and drinks are known to produce gas and may contribute to abdominal bloating.

To help prevent bloating, consider the following tips:

• Avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea.

• Skip vegetables known to cause excess gas, such as cabbage, beans, and lentils.

• Refrain from having heavy meals close to bedtime, and try to avoid bending over while eating.

• Limit processed foods, as well as sweet, spicy, and fatty foods.

• Avoid foods that may trigger allergies or intolerances if you have any.

Although abdominal bloating is usually not a serious condition, if it persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it may point to an underlying health problem. If you experience abnormal bloating, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

For questions about digestion or bloating, you can consult with a doctor or use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, which is available for download on both the App Store and Play Store.

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