Bloating

Stomach distention or expansion is referred to as bloating. Your stomach may appear larger due to this uneasy feeling of fullness or tightness. Bloating is a frequent symptom of the menstrual cycle and may be brought on by specific foods or eating patterns. Depending on the precise reason for your bloating, there are several strategies to relieve it. 

Symptoms

Bloating signs and symptoms include: 

  • Your stomach can protrude. 
  • feeling satiated and/or uneasy 
  • Your stomach’s skin could feel tight and strained. 

Bloating may also be accompanied by other symptoms like cramping, depending on the underlying cause. 

Causes

Constipation is a typical contributor to bloating. Due to the fact that one of the symptoms of constipation is having fewer bowel movements than usual, you may be suffering from it without realizing it. Even if you have regular bowel movements, you could still feel constipated. Other constipation signs and symptoms include: 

  • Struggling to begin or complete a bowel movement 
  • A stool that resembles pebbles and rocks 
  • After having a bowel movement, not feeling empty 

Abdominal pain and bloating may be made worse by constipation. The longer your stool remains in your colon, the longer it has to ferment due to bacteria, which causes increased gas and bloating. 

Other causes of bloating besides constipation include: 

  • IBS sufferers may be particularly sensitive to gas, which can result in discomfort, cramps, and diarrhea. 
  • Most healthy individuals have comparatively little bacteria in their small intestines, which is known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). People who have IBS with diarrhea, intestinal surgery, or both are more likely to have SIBO, which can result in bloating. 
  • Gastroparesis: This disease results in delayed emptying of the stomach, which can lead to bloating, nausea, and even bowel obstruction. 
  • Bloating can occasionally be brought on by gynecological diseases, such as issues with your ovaries or uterus. Make sure you always get a pelvic checkup every year. 

Diagnosis 

Through a physical examination in the office, your doctor can typically determine the cause of your bloating. They will inquire about your symptoms. They’ll inquire as to whether your bloating is irregular or constant. 

Usually, temporary bloating is nothing harmful. If it frequently occurs, your doctor could suggest additional tests. One of these could be an examination of your abdomen using imaging technology. It might be a CT scan or X-ray. 

Treatment 

Bloating can be reduced and gases in the digestive system can be moved about with the use of movement and massage, such as a stroll around the block or abdominal self-massage. 

Additionally, there are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and vitamins that can reduce or eliminate bloating discomfort. 

  • Simethicone, a component of antacids, sticks to gastric bubbles to facilitate easier gas expulsion. 
  • Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate), a medication for an upset stomach, could help reduce bloating. 
  • Alpha-galactosidase, an enzyme found in Beano, converts complicated carbs into sugars that are easier to digest. This reduces gas production. 
  • Lactaid includes lactase, which can help lactose-intolerant individuals avoid flatulence. 
  • Probiotics are “healthy” bacteria that support digestive system wellness. You can obtain probiotics via meals like yogurt and kefir in addition to OTC pills. 

Your doctor will undertake a physical examination, which may involve an abdominal exam, as well as inquiries about your medical history including bowel habits, symptoms, food, and current medications. 

A diagnostic procedure may be required. Two frequent procedures are blood testing and computed tomography scans. A doctor may order a colonoscopy if a patient is having copious, fast rectal bleeding.

At Doral Health and Wellness, the experts can take care of your gut. Here are the services provided at Doral Health and Wellness 

  • Colonoscopy
  • Colon Cancer Screening
  • Celiac Disease Treatment
  • Sigmoidoscopy 
  • Endoscopy

At Doral Health and Wellness, we have doctors that can help you manage your condition. For more information, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212, or call us on 1-347-384-5690 or 1-347-868-1016. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org or contact us at info@doralhw.org if you have any queries.