Abdominal bloating is a painful condition that usually occurs due to the accumulation of gas in the abdomen. Your stomach tends to feel tight and will protrude outwards. A bloated stomach is fairly uncomfortable and embarrassing to deal with and it can have a direct impact on the quality of your life.
There are several causes of abdominal bloating as well and in some cases, a bloated stomach may be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
The Causes of Abdominal Bloating
Some of the most common causes of abdominal bloating include:
Constipation
Bloating often occurs due to constipation. Irregular bowel movements allow the bacteria in your colon to carry out fermentation on your stool. This produces gas and can result in bloating.
Diet
Diet is one of the main causes of bloating as well. Many foods that you eat produce an excessive amount of gas which can lead to bloating. Drinking carbonated beverages also causes a buildup of gas in your abdomen.
If you are lactose intolerant, then your body cannot digest dairy products such as milk and ice cream. This leads to the production of gas, abdominal pain, and bloating.
Eating Habits
Besides your diet, the manner in which you consume your food is also a cause of bloating. If you eat too quickly, then you end up swallowing a lot of air. This can lead to bloating. Eating very fast also causes you to consume more food. This is because it takes your stomach 20 minutes to let your brain know that it is full. Overeating also leads to bloating.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Bloating is among the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Other symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. There is no cure available for this condition, but it is not associated with any serious diseases.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
As the name suggests, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a condition where there is an excess amount of bacteria in your small intestine. This can result in increased flatulence, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is also one of the causes of abdominal bloating. This is a condition in which the stomach is unable to empty itself of food or there is a delay in emptying. The cause of gastroparesis is hard to detect. In some cases, it happens because the vagus nerve becomes damaged. This never is responsible for controlling the muscles in your stomach and intestine. When it gets damaged, food is unable to move through the digestive system in a normal manner. Other symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea, heartburn, weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting improperly digested food, and poor blood sugar control.
In Conclusion
There are several causes of bloating. As far as treatment and prevention are concerned, understanding the cause is the first step. If you suffer from bloating due to your diet, then avoiding foods that produce gas can help treat your condition. You can also consult a physician for a full diagnosis of your condition.
If you’re seeking further advice on the treatment and prevention of abdominal bloating, we suggest you make an appointment with a physician at Health One Family Medicine, visit https://www.healthonemedicine.com/or call (469)262-5762.