When it comes to our digestive health, bloating is a common condition characterised by a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdominal area. While most of the time it is harmless, it can be discomforting. Several factors can contribute to it. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Rakesh Patel, Consultant Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, shares some of the common triggers of bloating and mentions various ways to prevent it.
Also Read: Non-Stop Burping: When Does It Become Concerning?
What Triggers Bloating?
“Bloating can occur due to poor eating habits, including excessive consumption of aerated beverages, processed fast food, and practices like eating too fast,” said Dr Patel, adding that consuming too many leguminous foods like beans, soybeans, chickpeas, peanuts, and lentils, can also cause bloating.
According to her, in some cases, bloating can be caused by organic reasons, such as Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD), H. pylori infection, and gastroparesis. It can even be a symptom of gastric cancer or pancreatic cancer, she added. “If someone has bloating accompanied by vomiting, weight loss and anaemia, they must visit a specialist for basic investigations/tests. These include a Complete Blood Count (CBC), sonography, and endoscopy, which may be needed to rule out the possibility of any severe illness,” she advised.
According to Britain's National Health Services (NHS), bloating can also be caused by a problem with your digestion, such as:
- Constipation
- A food intolerance
- Celiac disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Signs Of Bloating
Common symptoms associated with bloating include:
- Feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Excessive gas or burping
- Abdominal swelling or distention
- Belching
- Changes in bowel movements (diarrhoea or constipation)
How To Prevent Bloating
There are a list of do's and don'ts when it comes to preventing bloating. These include:
Do's
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals and opt for smaller portion sizes
- Chew your food thoroughly and take your time while eating
- Increase fibre intake gradually; include foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
- Stay hydrated
- Be mindful of gas-producing foods
Don'ts
- Avoid eating too quickly
- Minimise consumption of gas-producing beverages like carbonated drinks, including soda and sparkling water
- Be cautious with chewing gum and sucking on hard candies
- Limit fatty and greasy foods
- Avoid excessive intake of artificial sweeteners
Bottomline
Bloating can be prevented and managed through lifestyle changes. With proper food choices, regular exercise, and sufficient hydration, it can be avoided. However, bloating can occur in anyone and at any given time. Again, paying attention to what you eat and avoid is crucial. It is best to speak to a healthcare professional about your symptoms and necessary treatment.