Things To Tell Your Doctor:
- Is the symptom located in the upper or lower abdomen?Is it in a concentrated area?
- Is your bloating or distension associated with burping?
- Do you experience nausea or vomiting?
- Is the symptom associated with pain in your abdomen?Upper or lower?
- Does the bloating or distension relate to passing gas or a change in your bowel habits ?
- Are your symptoms related to food? Which ones?
- Do they occur right after eating?
- Do your symptoms increase during the day or improve during night hours?
Opt For Smaller Meals
The more food you pump into your stomach at a sitting, the more gas you’ll be pumping out. Fueling up on six small meals a day or three moderate ones plus two or three snacks will not only keep your nutrition levels constant to better nourish your baby, they’ll prevent your digestive system from getting overloaded, keeping gas pains and heartburn in check.
Certain Probiotics May Have Specific Benefits
Your gut microbiome, or gut flora, consists of a wide variety of bacteria.
Its exact composition is unique to you.
Your colon contains billions of bacteria with types from over 500 different species .
Probiotics that have been found to provide health benefits include various strains of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces. Many probiotic supplements contain a combination of different strains in the same supplement.
Research has shown that some strains seem to be more effective than others for treating certain conditions.
Therefore, youre more likely to get good results by taking probiotics that have been shown to achieve specific effects, such as controlling diarrhea.
In addition, its important to consume probiotics in sufficient amounts.
Probiotics are typically measured in colony-forming units . Generally, higher doses have been found to produce the best results in most studies .
However, some probiotics may be effective at dosages of 12 billion CFU per day, while others may require at least 20 billion CFU to achieve the desired effects.
Taking extremely high doses hasnt been found to cause harm. One study gave participants up to 1.8 trillion CFU per day. However, its expensive and doesnt appear to provide any additional benefits .
Importantly, scientists still dont know everything about probiotics. Although research has rapidly expanded within the past several years, there is much left to explore.
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When To See A Doctor About Bloating
You can usually manage bloating with self-care. But you should see a doctor as soon as possible if you have bloating and:
- its very bad
- you feel full quickly or dont feel like eating
- you need to pee more often or need to pee urgently
- youre having abnormal vaginal bleeding, or vaginal bleeding after youve been through the menopause
- you suddenly cant pee or havent peed all day
- youre vomiting and it looks like blood, coffee grounds or its bright green, or you cant keep any fluids down
- have very bad tummy pain
- you havent had a poo or farted all day
- you have a lot of blood in your poo or your pee
- your poo looks like tar
Probiotics That Are Effective Against Diarrhea
Diarrhea is defined as loose-to-liquid bowel movements that occur more frequently than normal.
It is typically short-lived, but can become chronic in some people.
Probiotics have been found to reduce stool frequency in the infection-related diarrhea that occurs with food poisoning and gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu .
A large review of 34 studies found that probiotics reduced the risk of diarrhea from various causes by 34%.
Effective strains included Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus .
Antibiotic use is another common cause of diarrhea. When antibiotic therapy kills harmful bacteria that cause infection, beneficial bacteria are destroyed as well. The shift in bacterial balance can lead toinflammation and diarrhea.
Studies in children and adults have shown that taking probiotics can help decrease the diarrhea that may happen as a result of antibiotic therapy (
Summary:
Probiotic therapy has been shown help reduce the severity and frequency of diarrhea related to infection, antibiotic use and IBS, among other causes.
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Avoid Swallowing Air And Gases
There are two sources of gas in the digestive system.
One is gas produced by the bacteria in the gut. The other is air or gas that is swallowed when you eat or drink. The biggest offender here is carbonated beverages like soda or fizzy drinks.
They contain bubbles with carbon dioxide, a gas that can be released from the liquid after it reaches your stomach.
Chewing gum, drinking through a straw and eating while talking or while in a hurry can also lead to increased amounts of swallowed air.
Summary
Swallowed air can contribute to bloating. A major cause is drinking carbonated beverages, which contain gases that are dissolved in the liquid.
How To Prevent Abdominal Adhesions
Abdominal adhesions are difficult to prevent; however, certain surgical techniques can minimize abdominal adhesions.
Laparoscopic surgery decreases the potential for abdominal adhesions because several tiny incisions are made in the lower abdomen instead of one large incision. The surgeon inserts a laparoscope – a thin tube with a tiny video camera attache – into one of the small incisions. The camera sends a magnified image from inside the body to a video monitor. Patients will usually receive general anesthesia during this surgery.
If laparoscopic surgery is not possible and a large abdominal incision is required, at the end of surgery a special filmlike material can be inserted between organs or between the organs and the abdominal incision. The filmlike material, which looks similar to wax paper and is absorbed by the body in about a week, hydrates organs to help prevent abdominal adhesions.
Other steps taken during surgery to reduce abdominal adhesions include
- using starch- and latex-free gloves
- handling tissues and organs gently shortening surgery time
- using moistened drapes and swabs
- occasionally applying saline solution
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Your Health Questions Answered
- Answered by: Healthily’s medical teamAnswered: 09/09/2021
If you have a swollen stomach and have put on weight, the 2 could be connected or not. If youve been exercising less than normal or your diet has changed, this may have caused you to put on weight and become constipated, which may be making your stomach look swollen. Another cause could be pregnancy. But if your stomach is swollen, it could also be that your bodys holding on to too much water and youve got a build-up of fluid in your tummy, which can also make it look like youve gained weight. It can be a serious problem, so see a doctor if youve got a swollen stomach and have gained weight.
How To Prevent Bloating
Typically, the first line of treatment for preventing gas and bloating is changing your diet. Research has shown that a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet can reduce the symptoms of gas and IBS. A low FODMAP diet avoids fermentable, gas-producing food ingredients, such as:
- Oligosaccharides, which are found in wheat, onions, garlic, legumes and beans
- Disaccharides, such as lactose in milk, yogurt and ice cream
- Monosaccharides, including fructose , apples and pears
- Polyols or sugar alcohols found in foods such as apricots, nectarines, plums and cauliflower, as well as many chewing gums and candies
The small intestine doesnt always fully absorb these carbohydrates, instead passing them to the colon, where they are fermented by bacteria and produce gas, Lee says. Not everyone gets gas and bloating from every FODMAP foods. You might start by cutting out FODMAP foods and then slowly bringing them back into your diet one at a time to pinpoint problem foods.
In the long run, the key to preventing bloating is understanding its cause. If mild constipation is the problem, a fiber-rich diet, water and exercise may help, but these steps wont always work for chronic constipation. Chronic constipation and other conditions, such as IBS or gastroparesis, require medical treatment, so its important to talk to your doctor about your bloating symptoms.
Feeling Bloated?
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What Foods Have Lactose And Should Be Avoided In The Diet
Although milk and foods made from milk are the only natural sources of lactose, lactose often is “hidden” in prepared foods to which it has been added. People with very low tolerance for lactose should know about the many food products that may contain lactose, even in small amounts. Food products that may contain lactose include:
Smart shoppers learn to read food labels with care, looking not only for milk and lactose in the contents but also for such words as whey, curds, milk by-products, dry milk solids, and nonfat dry milk powder. If any of these are listed on a label, the item contains lactose.
Whats The Best Treatment For A Bloated Stomach
Your treatment will depend on whats causing your bloating. There are lots of things you can try at home to get rid of trapped wind including changing your diet to limit foods that cause bloating and exercising more regularly. Read more about how to get rid of trapped wind and natural ways to beat bloating.
IBS and constipation can also also be treated at home, as long as you or a doctor are sure theres nothing else that could be causing your symptoms. For example, IBS usually gets better if you manage your stress levels and get more exercise. You can also keep a food and symptoms diary to try and work out what is triggering your IBS and then exclude those foods or drinks. This is helpful with food intolerances too.
If you have indigestion, diet changes also work well, as well as stopping smoking, not eating too close to bedtime and losing weight. Read more about ways to get rid of indigestion.
But if youre finding that even with these changes, your bloated stomach isnt getting better, you may need treatment advice from a pharmacist or a doctor. This could include medications to reduce the acid in your stomach known as antacid medicines or laxatives to help with constipation.
For more serious causes like ascites or cancers, youll likely need treatment in hospital. This may involve surgery or medication like chemotherapy.
Read more about how to get rid of bloating.
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Ways To Avoid Bloating After Eating
Once you know the reasons behind bloating,you can take steps to deal with it. Here is what you can do to keep bloating at bay.
1.;;;;;;;Avoid Carbonated Drinks
You should avoid carbonated drinks or at least limit their intake. Drink more of these drinks and carbon dioxide will build up in your system. This will lead to bloating. The best thing is to stick with plain water or add a slice of lemon to make it taste better.
2.;;;;;;;Eat Slowly
Do not eat too fast because this makes you swallow air that leads to bloating after eating. Take more time to eat this keeps you from swallowing air and also helps reduce your overall food intake.
3.;;;;;;;Take a Walk
Go for a walk after you eat your meal. Even a short walk after a meal can work wonders in reducing the gas buildup that usually leads to bloating. Besides, walking will also benefit your overall health.
4.;;;;;;; Mind the Food You Eat
What’s more, several difficult-to-digest, bloat-inducing foods can make things extremely difficult when you are already having a hard time dealing with bloating after eating.
5.;;;;;;; Try a Supplement
You can find gas-busting or anti-gas supplements such as a-galactosidase tablets to avoid dealing with gas after eating certain foods. These pills not just help relieve bloating, but they also prove effective against flatulence and belching. You need to take most of these supplements before every meal, but talk to your doctor about how often you should take it.
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.
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These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word ‘bloat.’ Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Identifying A Food Intolerance
If you feel like youre bloated after everything you eat, an undiagnosed food intolerance may be to blame. When your body is intolerant to a specific food, it cannot completely digest that food. As a result, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation. Gluten and dairy are the most common food intolerances. If you suspect that you have a food intolerance, work closely with a dietitian, who can design an elimination diet that can help you pinpoint the culprit.
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Which Specialties Of Doctors Treat Lactose Intolerance
Since internists, pediatricians, and family practitioners all see patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, they all are called upon to diagnose and treat lactose intolerance. If their attempts to diagnose and treat do not result in adequate clinical benefit, patients usually will be referred to a gastroenterologist, an internist or pediatrician specially trained in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. These specialists will be able to diagnose and treat causes of symptoms other than lactose intolerance.
What Can Be Done
Over-the-counter medications or a prescription from your doctor might help. Look for a medication containing alpha-D-galactosidase. It has an enzyme that breaks down indigestible sugars in vegetables and beans.
Tablets or capsules containing simethicone can also help alleviate symptoms of upper abdominal bloating. If you’re a tobacco user, it’s a good reason to quit because it has been linked to heartburn, bloating, and other digestive problems. Fortunately, bloating is a very common affliction, and most people can find a remedy at the pharmacy. Other measures, such as a change in diet, the frequency and times between meals and a change in habits are all you’ll need to do to avoid bloating.
When to Worry
Usually, temporary bloating is very common and nothing to worry about. However, if the condition persists on a regular basis, or bathroom problems are a constant battle, there might be more serious medical conditions causing your discomfort, so you’ll need to consult your physician. There could be a physical obstruction in the stomach or small intestines, and if diagnosed by your health care provider, may need to be surgically corrected. Many people already know that gas-inducing foods can cause gas, but what most people don’t suspect is an underlying chronic disease or cancer that could also be the cause.
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Causes Of Excess Abdominal Fluid
Contrary to popular belief, the most common cause of ascites is not kidney disease. As many as 75% of ascites cases are due to cirrhosis, a severe and irreversible liver condition. Another 15% of ascites cases are due to cancer and the remaining 10% are due to other conditions like heart failure, pancreatitis, tuberculosis, thyroid disease and certain bowel diseases.
What Causes Pregnancy Bloating
It might seem as though your jeans start to feel snug as soon as the pregnancy test comes back positive and you can thank the pregnancy hormone progesterone for that puffy phenomenon.
While progesterone is essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy; , it also triggers that oh-so-delightful trio: bloating, burping and passing gas.
Why? Progesterone causes the smooth muscle tissue in your body to relax. This slows down digestion, giving the nutrients from food you eat more time to enter your bloodstream and reach your baby. That’s the good news.;
The bad news is this slower digestion when you’re pregnant can cause you to feel bloated and bring on a cramp or two .
Whats more, your expanding uterus places increasing pressure on your rectum, which can wreak havoc on muscle control and lead to the passing of some serious wind.
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How Much Of Fluid Causes Bloating
As mentioned women have more peritoneal fluid than men under normal conditions and this volume is linked to the menstrual cycle. Fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity usually does not cause symptoms if it is less than 500mL. Sometimes very mild symptoms ma be present at most and may be ignored. In fact the excess fluid below this volume often goes unnoticed and is undetectable. It is only once the fluid volume reaches the 500mL mark that it can be detected but only by ultrasound. This is very mild ascites which is classified as grade 1.
Once the volume reaches around 1,500 mL then it may be visible as abdominal distension.; Sometimes a slightly lower volume causes visible distention in thin people while a larger volume may need to be present for it to be visibly evident in obese people. Grade 2 ascites is considered to be moderate. There is symmetrical distension of the abdomen but it is moderate. With grade 3 ascites the distension is severe and the umbilicus may even be everted.
Possible Causes Of Bloating In Upper Abdomen
Abdominal bloating is a health condition in which the upper abdomen is gaseous, may be visibly swollen or distended, and feels uncomfortably full. Its a common complaint among both children and adults, and the symptoms can be difficult to live with. Moreover, it can also be accompanied by burping or belching, pain, excessive gas or flatulence,swallowing of air, and abdominal rumbling.
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