What is Abdominal Bloating? What are Its Causes and Remedies?

Abdominal discomfort is a general feeling of unease and pain in the abdominal region. The condition is marred by non-specific symptoms, with abdominal bloating being the most common one. It can vary in intensity, duration, and location. Depending upon the causes of stomach bloating and pain, the location of abdominal discomfort varies. Let’s understand what is abdominal bloating and look for possible remedies to handle it.

What is Abdominal Bloating?

Adominal bloating refers to the distention and discomfort felt in the abdomen. The discomfort extends upwards from the belly button to the rib cage and the area appears visibly distended or swollen. The main causes of abdominal bloating are:

1. Gas-Inducing Foods

Some foods, such as fried and fatty foods, and vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans, etc., lead to higher gas buildup during the digestion process. This is because they are harder to digest. Frequent consumption of these foods leads to a perpetual feeling of abdominal bloating.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder primarily affecting the large intestine. It is characterised by upper abdominal bloating, pain, and irregular bowel habits. The onset of the condition is invariably linked to episodes of depression, stress, anxiety, and a history of intestinal infections. 

3. Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is a digestive disorder caused due to gluten intolerance. It causes inflammation of the small intestine lining. The most common symptoms include upper abdominal bloating, indigestion, diarrhoea or constipation, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and foul-smelling stools.

4. Lactose Intolerance

The presence of lactase enzymes in the small intestine is necessary for digesting lactose found in dairy products. Insufficient lactase enzyme impairs digestion, resulting in symptoms like upper abdominal bloating and pain, gas, and diarrhoea upon consumption of dairy products.

5. Heartburn

Heartburn is a constant feeling of burning experienced in the upper abdomen region up to the throat. The burning sensation is often accompanied by symptoms like nausea, belching, and a sour taste in the mouth. The condition invariably worsens upon lying down within three hours after eating. 

6. Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is a gastrointestinal condition that worsens upon excessive intake of caffeine, alcohol, or certain medications like aspirin. It includes a group of symptoms like upper abdominal bloating, pain, constant feeling of fullness, heartburn, loss of appetite, regurgitation, burping, and nausea. 

Abdominal Pain Remedies 

The abdominal pain remedies include the following tips:

1. Dietary Changes: The most significant treatment of abdominal pain is dietary changes. Eating easy-to-digest and fibre-rich foods clears stools and reduces bloating. Also, avoiding foods like cold drinks, fried foods, cruciferous vegetables, and beans is necessary. 

2. Stay Hydrated: Another important fact is drinking adequate water throughout the day. It helps neutralise stomach acids. Hence, gives relief from bloating. 

3. Manage Stress Levels: Stress and anxiety increase gas and bloating. So, breathing exercises, workouts, and meditation give relief from bloated stomach symptoms.

4. Probiotics: These foods promote gut-friendly bacteria and help to improve digestion. As a result, it reduces bloating symptoms.

5. Home remedies: Gingers, peppermint, and homemade liquorice provide relaxation from bloating. 

6. Medical Treatment: For critical patients, it’s mandatory to contact a doctor or healthcare provider. After diagnosing the stomach bloating reasons, they will start the treatment. 

When to Seek Medical Help?

Depending upon the severity, location, and consistency, a medical check-up is compulsory. The doctors ask for X-rays, upper endoscopy, urine, stool, or blood tests after evaluating symptoms. The need for medical assistance for abdominal bloating arises when:

• If stomach bloating lasts long, which is more than one week, the symptoms worsen.
• Patient experiences difficulties during food or liquid intake.
• Patient has symptoms like bloody stool, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, or fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Unexplained weight loss with abdominal bloating is a sign of concern as well. It may be an indication of a more critical medical condition which needs proper medical diagnosis and treatment. 
• A burning sensation during urination and prolonged vaginal bleeding.

Conclusion

Abdominal bloating gives an awful feeling. Almost everyone faces this problem at least once in their lifetime. But not every time does it lead to medical emergencies. So, taking note of the bloated stomach symptoms and understanding their reason is important to determine their root cause initially. Nevertheless, if you notice that home remedies have not managed to give you relief, then contact a doctor without wasting time.