CONNECTOR.AE 36 CONNECTOR.AE 37 Health and Wellness Health and Wellness Understanding Bloating: Causes, Prevention, Tips Stomach aches are a common occurrence with various causes ranging from dietary factors to menstrual cycles and bloating. Bloating, in particular, occurs when the abdomen feels full and tight due to gas, often associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It’s a global issue affecting people of all ages, leading to discomfort, changes in bowel habits, and more. Often mistaken for indigestion, bloating can disrupt daily activities, causing embarrassment and social withdrawal. Both adults and children can experience bloating; now, let’s understand its causes, symptoms, and treatments through expert insights. What Is Bloating And How Does One Feel When The Stomach Is Bloated? Bloating can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain and is common for many. It may come and go, but for some, it’s a persistent concern linked to digestive problems and hormonal changes. When experiencing bloating, your stomach feels tight or full, accompanied by swelling, hardness, and pain in the abdomen. Symptoms may include pain, excessive gas, frequent burping, and abdominal rumbling. What Causes Bloating? Bloating largely occurs due to gas accumulation, particularly after consuming a heavy meal. This build-up of gas in the digestive system happens as undigested food breaks down or when air is swallowed while eating or drinking. Common factors contributing to bloating include rapid eating or drinking, chewing gum, smoking, and constipation. Shedding light on this and helping us understand the causes better, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Healthpoint Professor Dr. Laith Al-Rubaiy, shared insights and said, “Bloating occurs when there is an excess of air in the small bowel or colon. This excess can be caused by two main factors: physiological and organic.” • Physiological causes of bloating stem from eating habits and food choices, such as eating quickly, swallowing air, and consuming gas-producing foods like beans, garlic, and onions. Lack of dietary fibre leading to constipation can also worsen bloating. • Organic causes involve underlying digestive issues, including conditions like celiac disease (immune reaction to eating gluten), lactose intolerance, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Inflammatory bowel disease can also disrupt normal bowel function, leading to bloating. • The gut microbiomeThe gut microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms, plays a pivotal role in digestive health. Imbalances in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Factors such as diabetes, fatty liver, and colitis can influence microbiome composition. Diagnostic tests are necessary to assess changes in the gut microbiome and identify abnormal patterns contributing to bloating.
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