Bloating
Bloating | |
---|---|
Synonyms | Abdominal bloating, Meteorism |
Pronounce | N/A |
Specialty | N/A |
Symptoms | Abdominal distension, feeling of fullness, abdominal pain |
Complications | Irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia |
Onset | Any age |
Duration | Variable |
Types | N/A |
Causes | Overeating, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, celiac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth |
Risks | Dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, stress |
Diagnosis | Physical examination, medical history, imaging studies |
Differential diagnosis | Ascites, intestinal obstruction, ovarian cancer |
Prevention | N/A |
Treatment | Dietary changes, probiotics, antispasmodics, laxatives |
Medication | Simethicone, antacids, prokinetics |
Prognosis | N/A |
Frequency | Common |
Deaths | N/A |
Bloating is a common condition characterized by a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdomen. It is often accompanied by abdominal pain, discomfort, and sometimes visible distension. Bloating can affect anyone and is usually temporary, but it can also be a symptom of underlying health issues.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Bloating can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Overeating
- Swallowing air (aerophagia)
- Constipation
- Food intolerances (e.g., lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Hormonal changes (e.g., during menstruation)
- Certain medications
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The primary symptom of bloating is a feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen. Other symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Excessive gas (flatulence)
- Frequent belching
- Visible abdominal swelling
- Nausea
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosing the cause of bloating typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Common tests include:
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
- Imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan)
- Endoscopy
- Breath tests for lactose intolerance or SIBO
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for bloating depends on the underlying cause. General recommendations may include:
- Dietary changes (e.g., avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals)
- Increasing dietary fiber intake
- Staying hydrated
- Regular physical activity
- Over-the-counter medications (e.g., antacids, simethicone)
- Prescription medications for specific conditions (e.g., IBS, GERD)
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventing bloating involves lifestyle and dietary modifications, such as:
- Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly
- Avoiding carbonated beverages
- Reducing intake of gas-producing foods (e.g., beans, lentils, broccoli)
- Managing stress
- Avoiding chewing gum and drinking through straws
See also[edit | edit source]
- Abdominal pain
- Flatulence
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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