Bloating: Causes And Prevention Tips
How often do you hear yourself or friends complain about bloating? We often just say we’re bloated when we feel full, but for many women, the problem relates to a chronic underlying condition. If you feel bloated often, you may have a condition like irritable bowel syndrome , which affects up to 24 of women.
Here are some common causes of bloating and tips on preventing this uncomfortable condition.
What Are The Symptoms Of An Ulcer
There are many ways of identifying the presence these symptoms. Gas is one of the major symptoms in the human body, but it will always be accompanied by other known conditions as well. Here are some of these commonly seen symptoms.
- Burning sensation in the stomach that lasts from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Constant hunger, indigestion, acidity, and heartburn.
- Intense and/or sudden pain in the abdominal and intestinal regions.
- Appearance of pain right after eating.
- Constant vomiting, passing of black stool, passing of blood in the stool, and anemia.
Many doctors will recommend specific diet and medication once the condition has been diagnosed. Although gas and other issues will be eradicated due to this diet, some people may require surgery if the issue persists. This is a problem that can occur at any instant, and one must eat a healthy diet in order to prevent this condition from occurring.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
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How Do I Reduce Gas Belching And Bloating
Bloating, burping and passing gas are natural and are usually caused by swallowed air or the breakdown of food through digestion. You may experience gas and gas pains only occasionally or repeatedly in a single day. When gas and gas pains interfere with your daily activities, there may be something wrong. Find out how to reduce or avoid gas and gas pains, and when you may need to see your doctor.
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Natural Remedies For Bloating Gas And Flatulence
Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, is board-certified in gastroentrology. He is the vice chair for ambulatory services for the department of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, where he is also a professor. He was the founding editor and co-editor in chief of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
Gas, flatulence, and bloating can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Fortunately, there are some natural remedies that can help, depending on the cause. Before trying any natural remedy, it’s important to consult a qualified healthcare provider to rule out other causes.
Can Bloating Be Prevented
To keep your digestive system working well, follow a healthy diet and eat at least 30g of fibre every day. Cut down on processed and fatty foods, and drink less alcohol. Drink plenty of water and take any medicines as directed by your doctor.
Dont overeat, and try to eat more slowly. Eating regularly will help to prevent digestive problems.
Regular exercise is also important for your gut because it strengthens the muscles in your tummy and stimulates the digestive system to push food through. It also helps with stress, which affects the nerves in the digestive system and can slow down digestion.
Smoking is very bad for your digestion. If you smoke, try to quit now.
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Avoid Rapid Weight Gain
Rapid weight gain is linked to bloating for several reasons.
First, a buildup of fat in your stomach area may constrain your bowels, increasing tension and contributing to bloating. Additionally, fat may have inflammatory effects, contributing to hypersensitivity in your gut .
Finally, unwanted weight gain may cause you to focus attention on your stomach area, which may increase your perception of bloating .
If you have overweight or obesity and are experiencing bloating, trying some healthy strategies for weight loss such as exercise and limiting portion sizes may be beneficial.
Summary
Rapid weight gain may contribute to bloating by increasing bowel tension, inflammation, and mental focus on your stomach area. Conversely, weight loss may help reduce these effects.
Does Quitting Smoking Cause Bloating
Quitting smoking can leave you with a bloated stomach and constipation. Nicotine stimulates intestinal transit and aids bowel movements, and habitual smokers often develop nicotine dependency.
A distended abdomen can be a withdrawal symptom of quitting smoking, which can take a month or two to subside. In the meantime, increase your fluid intake and eat a fiber-rich diet to encourage better digestion.
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Causes Of Intestinal Gas
It is normal and healthy for gas to be present throughout your digestive system.
There are two main causes of intestinal gas: swallowed air and gas that is produced by intestinal bacteria as a by-product of the digestion of certain foods.
Most swallowed air is released through burping. The rest is either absorbed in the small intestine or travels through the intestines to be released through the rectum, known as passing gas.
What Is Rabbit Bloating
Rabbit bloating is a medical condition for any breed of rabbit. The reality, however, is that it is not necessarily a disease. It is a sign that the rabbit is not in perfect health. Gas and other types of fluid are produced in the stomach after digestion. This will increase the number of items in the stomach more than what was initially digested and this process continues.
If there is a blockage and more content, the stomach becomes enlarged. In a situation where gasses and fluids in the rabbits stomach cannot get out through natural means. It leads to the compression of some blood vessels.
Also, the inability of the rabbit to vomit due to the size of the valve proximal is responsible for rabbit bloating. It could also mean the presence of impending sickness. Bloating could make the rabbits stomach swell.
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How To Get Rid Of Bloating: 8 Steps
May 26, 2022
Stomach bloating is so common these days that its been called an epidemic. If you frequently deal with distention, digestive discomfort and a bloated stomach, you probably want to know: Why do I feel bloated all the time?
With most peoples poor diets, high levels of stress, need for daily medications and exposure to various pollutants, its no wonder they suffer some sort of bloating more days than not.
While a bloated stomach is certainly uncomfortable even embarrassing when it comes along with gas or the need to run to the bathroom it might be an even bigger deal than you think. Below well look closer at reasons you may deal with an inflated belly, plus discuss bloated stomach remedies, such as foods to focus on and those to avoid.
Belching: Getting Rid Of Excess Air
Belching or burping is your body’s way of expelling excess air from your stomach. It’s a normal reflex caused by swallowing air. You may swallow excess air if you eat or drink too fast, talk while you eat, chew gum or suck on hard candies, drink carbonated beverages, or smoke.
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease can have the same effect. If stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, you may swallow repeatedly to clear the material. This can lead to swallowing more air and further belching.
Some people swallow air as a nervous habit even when they’re not eating or drinking. In other cases, chronic belching may be related to inflammation of the stomach lining or to an infection with Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for some stomach ulcers.
You can reduce belching if you:
- Eat and drink slowly. Taking your time can help you swallow less air.
- Avoid carbonated drinks and beer. They release carbon dioxide gas.
- Skip the gum and hard candy. When you chew gum or suck on hard candy, you swallow more often than normal. Part of what you’re swallowing is air.
- Don’t smoke. When you inhale smoke, you also inhale and swallow air.
- Check your dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can cause you to swallow excess air when you eat and drink.
- Treat heartburn. For occasional, mild heartburn, over-the-counter antacids or other remedies may be helpful. GERD may require prescription-strength medication or other treatments.
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Get More Active Every Day
Exercise helps your body move stool and gas out of the colon and may make bowel movements more regular. Exercise also releases extra sodium from the body through sweating, which can help to relieve water retention.
It is vital to drink plenty of water before and after exercising to stay hydrated, as dehydration can make constipation worse.
Take A Warm Bath Soaking And Relaxing
The heat of the bath can provide relief for a sore abdomen. Relaxation can reduce stress levels, which may allow the GI tract to function more effectively and help reduce bloating.
Quick fixes are not always effective for some causes of bloating. However, people who have frequent bloating may find that certain lifestyle changes can tackle the causes and reduce bloating over time.
People can use these simple steps to try to prevent bloating in the long-term:
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Natural And Other Remedies For Gas
Many advertisements tout medications or remedies that reduce gas and bloating. Some have been shown to be of value in clinical studies, others have not yet been proven scientifically but are anecdotally helpful. Before trying anything, you may want to consult with your physician.
Two products on the market can help with food-related gas and bloating. Both products are packaged forms of the enzymes needed to break down the problematic carbohydrates. Lactase, found in products such as Dairy Ease and Lactaid, can be taken with dairy foods to help break down lactose and lessen gas. Beano helps digest the indigestible carbohydrate in beans and other gas-producing vegetables.
Natural remedies for gas include:
What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
If you have gastritis, you may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- Why did I get gastritis?
- Should I get tested for H. pylori?
- Should I get tested for anemia?
- Can I get gastritis again?
- What steps can I take to avoid getting gastritis again?
- Should I make any dietary changes?
- What medications or supplements should I avoid?
- Do I need to cut out alcohol?
- Should I look out for signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Gastritis is a common but generally treatable condition. You may be surprised to learn that your indigestion is actually due to gastritis. Some people with gastritis dont have any symptoms. Tests can help your healthcare provider determine the cause of gastritis. This allows you to receive the appropriate treatment.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/08/2020.
References
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How I Do I Know If My Wind Burping Flatulence And Bloating Is Normal
The average person breaks wind up to 40 times a day. Anything less than this is normal. Often people believe that they have excessive flatus is because an embarrassing incident like a loud or smelly fart in public has led to the belief that something is wrong. However, if these events are severe, ongoing, troublesome or if you are worried about them you should discuss your concerns with your doctor.
In addition, if you develop burping associated with chest discomfort, especially discomfort associated with exertion, or if you have difficulties in swallowing you should seek medical advice.
If bloating is persistent or associated with weight loss, abdominal pain or diarrhoea you should see your doctor as it can be a symptoms of more serious bowel conditions.
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Bleeding Ulcers Symptoms And Causes
Bleeding ulcers are a big deal. Often having endoscopy is diagnostic and therapeutic. A gastroenterologist can use a fiberoptic camera to view the inside of the stomach and duodenum, searching for a source of bleeding.
Symptoms of a bleeding ulcer include:
- Abdominal discomfort after eating
- Upper abdominal burning or hunger pain 1 to 3 hours after eating or in the middle of the night
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Lifestyle Changes To Help Prevent Gas
1. Eat smaller portions of foods that cause you gas
2. Eat more slowly
3. Chew foods well
4. Dont chew gum, smoke or drink through a straw as they can cause excessive swallowing of air
5. Avoid carbonated beverages
Gas pains can be mistaken for certain serious conditions including:
- Pain in the lymph nodes of the throat, armpits or groin
- Unusual fatigue
What Are The Symptoms Of A Peptic Ulcer
A dull or burning pain in your stomach is the most common symptom of a peptic ulcer. You may feel the pain anywhere between your belly button and breastbone. The pain most often
- happens when your stomach is emptysuch as between meals or during the night
- stops briefly if you eat or if you take antacids
- lasts for minutes to hours
- comes and goes for several days, weeks, or months
Less common symptoms may include
- feeling sick to your stomach
Even if your symptoms are mild, you may have a peptic ulcer. You should see your doctor to talk about your symptoms. Without treatment, your peptic ulcer can get worse.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Gas
Commons symptoms of gas include:
- Knotted feeling in the abdomen
- Sodas and other carbonated beverages
- Fiber supplements containing psyllium husk
- Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols including sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, aspartame and others
In addition to diet, there are a number of medical conditions that can cause gas pains. These include:
Mucus And Blood In Stool With Abdominal Pain: 6 Causes Explained
Our content is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for medical advice by your doctor. Use for informational purposes only.
Common causes of abdominal pain, with blood and mucus in the stool are:
- Dysentery: the most common cause of acute abdominal pain with blood and mucus in stool.
- Inflammatory bowel disease .
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Try It Steps To Avoid Gas Pain
Since constipation causes gas and cramping, you should try to exercise regularly, stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet with plenty of fiber, Veloso says.Here are some other tips:
- Dont drink with a straw.
- Choose noncarbonated beverages.
- If your symptoms persist, see your doctor to rule out food sensitivities, and other conditions.
Gas Pain: When To See A Doctor
Veloso says to be on the lookout for abdominal pain and bloating that persists even after constipation improves.
You may have celiac disease or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth , which can cause these symptoms and can occur with either constipation or diarrhea. You may also have irritable bowel syndrome or another problem, she notes.
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How Do You Treat Ulcers
There are a few things that you can do to relieve the symptoms of stomach ulcers. Avoiding spicy and fatty foods, managing stress, using over-the-counter antacids, and stopping the use of NSAIDs may provide relief. Your doctor may treat your peptic ulcer by prescribing antibiotics, or medications to block or reduce acid production.
Its important to know when you should seek care for stomach pain. Persistent abdominal pain that does not go away can indicate an underlying health problem.
Talk to your doctor if you experience frequent abdominal pain, or abdominal pain that does not go away, if you feel faint or have trouble breathing with abdominal pain, or if you have blood in your vomit or stool.
Your primary care doctor can help determine the best action to take, which may include a referral to a gastroenterologist: a physician that specializes in diagnosing and treating digestive diseases.
Does Pantoprazole Cause Bloating Gastroenterologist Explains
Our content is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for medical advice by your doctor. Use for informational purposes only.
Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid. We use pantoprazole and other PPIs for the treatment of:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease or chronic acid reflux.
- As a part of the H. pylori treatment regimen .
- Functional dyspepsia.
Bloating is not a separate medical condition it is a symptom of other gastrointestinal diseases or conditions.
The medical definition of bloating is the sense of fullness or tightness in your belly .
Bloating can be a part of dyspepsia which is often caused by diseases that are treated by pantoprazole.
The above list of diseases can cause bloating (GERD, gastritis, peptic ulcers, and functional dyspepsia.
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The Link Between Gas Stress And Probiotics
Gas can be worsened by stress. “There are nerves up and down the GI tract,” Lemond says. “People who have a tendency to be nervous can develop gas, diarrhea, or constipation.” When dietary changes arent effective, other treatments, such as relaxation therapy, may help.
Life stress can cause spasms in the colon and abdominal discomfort, according to a review published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Reviewers noted that progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, yoga, counseling, or changes to daily stressful situations can help reduce stress and have a positive effect on digestive health.
Researchers are devoting more and more time to exploring the direct connections between the gut, brain, and probiotics, whats called the gut-brain axis. For instance, a report published in April 2015 in the journal Annals of Gastroenterology looked at the way that microbiota, the bacteria in the gut, interact with the central nervous system, by regulating brain chemistry and influencing neuroendocrine systems associated with stress response, anxiety, and memory function.