Bloated Stomach: Signs that shouldn’t be ignored

Bloating is a common but sometimes distressing condition, characterised by a sensation of fullness or swelling in the abdominal area. Often caused by diet, lifestyle, and stress, bloating can also be a sign of underlying health issues that warrant attention.

It’s crucial to not dismiss persistent bloating, as it may indicate more serious digestive disorders. This document specifically addresses individuals who experience chronic bloating, aiming to provide insight into potential causes and the importance of seeking timely medical advice.

Bloating can be the result of a number of physiological processes. Here are two common culprits:

1.Gas Accumulation in the Digestive System

  The gastrointestinal tract naturally produces gas as a byproduct of digestion. Certain foods can increase gas production due to fermentation by gut bacteria during the digestive process. An excess of this gas can lead to a bloated feeling.

2.Water Retention in the Abdomen

  Sometimes the body retains water in the abdominal area. This can be due to a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, high salt intake, or certain medications. This retention can cause abdominal distension and a sensation of bloating.

Recognising the distinction between a normal, temporary increase in abdominal size and a potentially concerning health issue is key:

1. Frequency and Duration

  Occasional bloating that resolves on its own is usually no cause for concern. However, if bloating is recurrent, persistent, or lasts for long periods, it might point to an underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

 2. Severity of Discomfort

  While a mild feeling of fullness is typically not worrisome, severe or painful bloating should not be overlooked, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, nausea, or changes in bowel habits.

When evaluating bloating and its potential implications for your health, there are specific signs you should monitor closely. Here’s what to consider:

Persistent Bloating

1. Definition and Duration

  Persistent bloating is defined as a bloated feeling that doesn’t resolve naturally over time or becomes a regular discomfort. Typically, bloating is considered persistent if it occurs most days and lasts for three weeks or longer.

2. When to be Alarmed

  It’s important to be vigilant if the bloating is constant and doesn’t come and go. You should be especially wary if lifestyle changes such as diet adjustments, increased exercise, or other home remedies do not alleviate the condition.

Associated Symptoms

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

  Any significant, unintentional weight loss – typically around 5% of your body weight within 6 to 12 months – alongside bloating may indicate a more serious health issue.

2. Changes in Bowel Habits

  Notable and persistent changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhoea, that coincide with bloating can be a red flag.

3. Blood in Stools or Vomit

  The presence of blood in your stools or vomit, which may appear as bright red or a darker, tar-like consistency, is a sign that immediate medical consultation is necessary

Recognising the potential underlying causes of bloating is crucial in addressing the issue effectively. The causes can range from common gastrointestinal disorders to other health conditions.

A. Gastrointestinal Disorders

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  A common disorder affecting the large intestine, IBS is characterised by a combination of symptoms that can include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits such as diarrhoea and constipation.

2.Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

  This term encompasses chronic conditions involving inflammation of the digestive tract, the most common of which are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which can cause significant bloating.

3.Celiac Disease

  An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, celiac disease often presents with bloating, along with diarrhoea and weight loss.

B. Other Health Conditions

 1. Ovarian Issues (For Women)

  Conditions such as ovarian cysts or ovarian cancer can cause bloating, and it’s especially important to consider these in women experiencing bloating with other symptoms like pelvic pain.

 2. Liver or Kidney Dysfunction

  Bloating can sometimes be a manifestation of liver or kidney disease due to fluid accumulation and should be evaluated in conjunction with other symptoms like jaundice or changes in urine output.

When to consult doctor?

If you experience persistent or frequent bloating, it’s important to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis. However, there are also specific warning signs that may indicate a more urgent need to seek medical attention.

• Sudden onset of severe bloating

 If your bloating comes on suddenly and is accompanied by severe pain, vomiting, fever, or blood in your stool, seek medical attention immediately as it could indicate a serious condition.

• Bloating with weight loss

 Unintentional weight loss along with bloating can be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed by a doctor.

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain

 If bloating is accompanied by difficulty breathing or chest pain, especially if it worsens with physical activity, seek medical attention immediately as it could be a sign of a heart or lung issue.

• Bloating and changes in bowel habits

 If you experience bloating along with changes in your bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhoea, for more than two weeks, consult a doctor to rule out any serious health conditions.

• Bloating and abnormal bleeding

 Bloating along with abnormal vaginal or rectal bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out any gynaecological or digestive issues.

• Bloating that does not improve with lifestyle changes

 If your bloating persists despite making healthy lifestyle changes, it’s important to consult a doctor for further evaluation as it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

• Bloating with history of digestive issues

 If you have a history of digestive issues and experience persistent bloating, it’s important to consult a doctor as it could be a symptom of an ongoing condition that needs medical attention.

• Family history of ovarian or colon cancer

 If there is a family history of ovarian or colon cancer, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of these cancers, including bloating, and consult a doctor if you experience persistent bloating along with other symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss.

Depending on the individual’s symptoms and medical history, a doctor may order various diagnostic tests and examinations to determine the cause of bloating. These may include:

• Physical examination

 A doctor will conduct a physical exam to check for any signs of abdominal discomfort or tenderness, as well as evaluate other symptoms that may be present.

• Blood tests

 Blood tests can help identify any underlying medical conditions or deficiencies that could be causing bloating, such as anemia or thyroid issues.

• Imaging tests

 Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be ordered to get a better view of the digestive organs and detect any abnormalities.

• Colonoscopy

 A colonoscopy may be recommended if there is a family history of colon cancer or if there are other symptoms present that could indicate a digestive issue.

• Food intolerance or allergy tests

 If bloating is suspected to be due to a food intolerance or allergy, specific tests may be ordered to identify the trigger foods.

• Breath test for bacterial overgrowth

 In some cases, bloating can be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. A breath test can help diagnose this condition.

• Stool analysis

 A stool sample may be tested to check for any infections or imbalances in the gut microbiome that could be causing bloating.

In conclusion, persistent bloating should not be ignored as it may be a symptom of underlying health issues. If you are experiencing frequent bloating, it’s important to consult with a doctor to have the proper diagnosis. Staying informed about the potential causes and engaging in proactive health management can lead to improved well-being.