Understanding and Managing Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal bloating occurs when gas accumulates in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing a sensation of fullness or tightness in the abdomen. This condition often accompanies discomfort, excessive belching, abdominal rumbling, or pain. It can impact daily activities by causing discomfort that hampers work or recreation. Abdominal bloating is common across all age groups and can result from various factors, including gas buildup and underlying health issues.

Below are common causes of bloating:

Potential reasons include:

Gas Gas buildup from undigested food breakdown or swallowing air during meals can cause bloating. To prevent this, eat slowly, avoid smoking, and ensure dentures fit properly.

Health Conditions Digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or food intolerances can lead to bloating. It’s important to get diagnosed for conditions like FGIDs and identify problematic foods.

Other causes include eating disorders that can disturb gut bacteria or cause deficiencies, leading to gas and reflux. Serious health problems like fluid buildup from cancer, kidney, or liver issues may also manifest as bloating. Management involves lifestyle adjustments, massage, and medication.

To alleviate bloating, consider lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, and medical treatment. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating slowly, avoiding carbonated drinks, and steering clear of foods with lactose can help reduce symptoms. Abdominal massage sessions, ideally twice daily for 15 minutes, have been shown to ease bloating and associated discomfort while promoting mental well-being. Consult a healthcare professional for severe pain, or if lifestyle changes do not improve symptoms, as medications such as antibiotics or antispasmodics might be necessary.