Stomach bloating is a condition that usually occurs due to excessive gas production after a meal or impaired movement in the muscles of the digestive system. While it is more common in women than in men, it is a condition that can negatively affect quality of life. Symptoms include a noticeable bloating in the abdominal area, while treatment can be done depending on the underlying causes.
Bloating is usually a digestive system problem, but it can also be caused by factors such as hormones and stress. In addition, in some cases, the underlying cause may be a disease.
Why does stomach bloating occur?
Bloating occurs when the digestive tract is filled with air or gas. In some people, it can be seen as a result of sensitivity to food. Stomach bloating causes pain and discomfort. In addition, the causes of bloating can be listed as follows:
- Air swallowed with food can cause bloating. Consuming food quickly can cause excessive air accumulation in the stomach.
- Foods high in fiber cause bloating because they cause high levels of gas production in the digestive tract.
- Food allergies and intolerances are a cause of bloating. When foods that the digestive system cannot tolerate are consumed, bloating and other symptoms may occur due to excessive gas production.
- Too little movement and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to bloating.
- Factors such as stress are also important causes of bloating. Functional disorders in the organs in the digestive system can lead to bloating.
In addition to these, there are some foods that cause stomach bloating. These foods are as follows:
- There may be excessive air swallowing during the consumption of carbonated and fermented drinks, which can cause bloating in the stomach.
- Legumes such as beans, chickpeas and lentils and some whole grain foods can cause bloating because they cause excess gas in the stomach.
- Fatty foods can slow digestion and stomach emptying. This may cause bloating in some people.
- Foods such as garlic and onions can also cause bloating because they produce gas.
- Since some foods are difficult to digest, such situations may occur. Foods that are difficult to digest may include foods such as broccoli and cabbage.
- Milk and dairy products can cause bloating and gas production because they contain lactose.
- Foods such as oranges, apricots and apples, foods with high fiber content can cause bloating.
In addition, there are some diseases that can cause stomach bloating. Digestive system diseases include;
Diseases such as celiac, restless bowel syndrome, constipation, ulcers, gallbladder diseases, stomach and intestinal cancer and gastritis can also cause bloating.
What is Good for Stomach Bloating?
One of the ways that is good for stomach bloating and prevents gas formation in the stomach is to reduce the amount of air swallowed, especially during eating. The most important method to be done for this is to move slowly during eating, it is recommended to eat slowly and chew the food in the mouth for a long time. It is important not to talk during meals as talking during food consumption increases the amount of air swallowed.
Since one of the most important causes of pain and bloating is the stress factor, problems such as gastritis, ulcers and spasms are more likely to occur as a result of prolonged exposure to stress. Avoiding and staying away from factors that can cause stress reduces the occurrence of such problems and is among the factors that are good for bloating in the stomach. In addition, if a person cannot cope with such situations on their own, they should seek professional support.
Can Stomach Bloating Be Prevented?
There are some ways to prevent and avoid stomach bloating. These can be listed as follows:
- Avoiding foods that cause gas formation
- Avoiding chewing gum
- Consuming liquid or carbonated drinks through a straw
- Limit consumption of carbonated drinks
- Slow food
- Quitting smoking and not using
- Avoiding alcohol
- Avoiding milk and dairy products if they cause gas problems
How is Stomach Bloating Diagnosed?
Stomach bloating can usually be diagnosed by a physical examination by a specialist doctor. The doctor will ask the patient a number of questions about the symptoms. These questions are meant to determine whether the bloating occurs occasionally or all the time. Temporary bloating is usually not a serious problem.
However, in some cases, there are different factors and causes underlying the discomfort. Tests may also be ordered to determine whether there is a different underlying disease condition. X-ray or ultrasound imaging can be performed to diagnose stomach bloating. In cases where a complete conclusion cannot be reached, the specialist may benefit from endoscopy and colonoscopy methods.
Treatment of Stomach Bloating
As with all other diseases and disorders, the treatment of stomach bloating is also performed depending on the underlying causes. Different methods are used by the specialist doctor to determine the cause of bloating. Depending on the underlying cause as a result of the diagnosis, drug treatment can be applied by the specialist doctor.
The patient may be recommended to use probiotics. Some changes and adjustments can be made in lifestyle and eating habits. It may be recommended to increase water consumption in order to gain toilet habits. People may also be advised to do physical activities such as exercise, sports, walking and swimming.