Bloating is the sensation of increased abdominal fullness or swelling, often accompanied by discomfort or pain. It can result from gas accumulation in the digestive tract or the buildup of fluid or other substances. Bloating can vary in severity and duration, from temporary and mild to chronic and severe.
Bloating is a common symptom experienced by many people at some point. It is frequently reported in individuals with gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, and can also occur in otherwise healthy individuals due to dietary or lifestyle factors.
See your healthcare provider if your bloated stomach:
Diagnosis may involve a detailed medical history, dietary assessment, and physical examination. Further tests, such as abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, or blood tests, may be conducted to identify underlying conditions.
Treatment depends on the cause of the bloating. Common approaches include dietary changes, medications to manage gas or digestive issues, and lifestyle modifications such as reducing stress and eating slowly.
Prevention strategies include avoiding known food triggers, eating smaller, more frequent meals, reducing carbonated beverage intake, and practicing good eating habits. Identifying and managing underlying health conditions is also important.
You should consult a doctor if bloating is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. A medical evaluation is necessary to rule out serious conditions.
Home remedies may include drinking herbal teas (such as peppermint or ginger tea), using a heating pad on the abdomen, and engaging in gentle physical activity to help reduce gas and discomfort.
If your bloating is due to something you ate or drank or due to hormone fluctuations, it should begin to ease within a few hours to days. If you are constipated, it won’t go down until you start pooping. Water, exercise, and herbal teas can help encourage all of these things. If it doesn’t go away or gets worse, seek medical attention.
Possible causes of bloating include gas, constipation, bowel obstructions, motility disorders, weight gain, hormones, ascites, inflammation of the stomach, etc.
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