Are you tired of that uncomfortable, balloon-like feeling after a hearty meal? Bloating is a common occurrence for many of us, often attributed to overeating or indulging in certain foods. However, what if your bloating goes beyond the occasional discomfort and starts to raise concerns? Paying attention to the signs your bloating could be serious is essential for maintaining your well-being.
Dr Ranga Santhosh Kumar, Consultant General Physician and Diabetologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained bloating and its potential red flags.
A study by Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that 15.9% of the population experiences bloating every month, which is the feeling of residual gas. Bloating affects 19.2% more women than men (10.5%), on average.
Dr Kumar said, “A bloated stomach is a sensation of tightness, pressure, or fullness in your abdomen. It may or may not be accompanied by a visibly enlarged or bloated abdomen. The sensation could be anything from mildly irritating to excruciating. It usually goes away after a while, but for some people, it never stops. Bloating cycles can be brought on by hormonal changes and digestive problems. If your stomach swelling doesn't go away, you should visit a doctor to determine its cause.”
What Can Bloating Be Serious?
Dr Kumar listed the common reasons for bloating as follows:
Carbohydrate malabsorption
Dr Kumar said that many people have difficulties digesting particular carbohydrates (sugars). Some of the common irritants are lactose, fructose, and carbs found in wheat and legumes. Due to your intolerance, your body may struggle more with tougher carbohydrates, or you may just be having general problems. A nutritionist or gastroenterologist specialist can help you isolate your dietary sensitivities.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Dr Kumar said, “SIBO occurs when gut bacteria from the colon overflow into the small intestine. These microbes might outnumber other bacteria that are meant to counterbalance them. Some bacteria absorb the gas produced by others, but this balance can become unbalanced if there are too many of one type and not enough of another.”
Also Read: 7 Drinks You Must Try To Beat Bloating Post Meals
Functional digestive disorders
Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia are diagnosed when your body struggles more with digestion for unexplained reasons. Gas and bloating are two symptoms that may arise after eating. Keep an eye out for symptoms, such as diarrhoea or constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever, bleeding, anaemia, and unintentional weight loss.
Visceral Hypersensitivity
Even when their gas volume is normal, some people still feel bloated and gassy. IBS and other neurological conditions affecting the gut-to-brain connections frequently co-occur with this syndrome. To accommodate greater gas in the abdominal cavity, some persons may develop an overactive muscle response (abdomino phrenic dyssynergia). Even when the actual volume is, their abdominal muscles loosen up and extend outward when there is gas present.
Also Read: Stomach Cramps After Eating Food? Expert Explains Food Poisoning And Its Treatment
When Is Bloating Serious?
Dr Kumar highlighted that if the symptoms eventually go away, they probably aren't serious. However, if your bloated stomach persists or worsens, or if you experience other signs of a serious illness, such as fever or vomiting, you should see a doctor to rule out other medical causes.
- Ascites: This is fluid that has progressively built up in your abdominal cavity. The most common cause is liver illness, but other causes include renal or cardiac failure.
- Pancreatic insufficiency: In this type of pancreatic dysfunction, the pancreas can no longer produce enough digestive enzymes to fulfil its role in the digestive process.
- Inflammation of the stomach or the intestines: A bacterial infection (often H pylori infection) or excessive alcohol use are the usual causes of this. Peptic ulcers may also be connected to it.
- Even cancer (of the ovary, uterus, colon, pancreas, stomach, or mesentery) may result from it.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided by the expert. However, we recommend you consult your expert for a diagnosis based on your body type and medical history.