Stomach Bloating
Help for stomach bloating and how to reduce gastric pressure and prevent a bulging distended belly
Select a Topic
- What is Stomach Bloating?
- Symptoms of Stomach Bloating
- What Causes Stomach Bloating?
- More Information on Stomach Bloating
What is Stomach Bloating?
Bloating in the stomach can be a common occurrence – most of us will experience a bloated stomach at some stage of our lives. The feeling of ‘pressure’ and ‘fullness’ in the stomach, that can make it feel as though we are stretched to capacity or weighted down.
Symptoms of Stomach Bloating
Many times, stomach bloating is not an isolated symptom, and may be accompanied by one or more of the following:
- Distended abdomen/Stomach Distention
- Cramps
- Flatulence/Gas
- Belching
- Pain
- Fullness or ‘tightness’ in the stomach
- Diarrhea
- Aching Stomach
- Shortness of Breath
- Lower Back Pain
What Causes Stomach Bloating?
Bloating is most often caused by trapped gas in the small intestine. This can cause flatulence (passing of excessive gas/wind) painful stomach ache and an uncomfortable feeling when wearing tight clothes. Bloating can also occur as a result of food intolerance, insufficient digestive enzymes in your stomach or lack of good intestinal flora (good bacteria normally present in the gut).
Possible Causes for Bloating
- Dysmotility (a slow digestive system)
- Poor Digestion
- Indigestion
- Over eating
- Intestinal Gas
- Constipation
- Peptic Ulcers
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Water Retention
- Candidiasis - an internal fungal infection
- Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s Disease)
- Coeliac Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Whatever the cause, the fact remains that for some reason the body's digestion system is hampered. As a bloated stomach can indicate more serious conditions, if bloating persists or worsens, it is advised that you seek medical advice.
Stomach Bloating in Children
Children can be very sensitive to their environments, which can lead to distress if overstimulation occurs, leading to intestinal disturbances, bloating and gas. Try to minimize your baby or child’s activity levels and see if the problem is alleviated – for example, limit visitors, taking your child along on errands, and eliminate background noise like a T.V. or radio, which can disrupt comfort levels.
More Information on Stomach Bloating
Tips to Minimize Stomach Bloating.
- Control your food habits and eat slowly.
- Limit wheat products – they contain gluten, which can produce burning sensations and lead to production of excess gases, resulting in bloating.
- Minimize the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy the harmless bacteria normally present in the digestive tract that usually help you digest food. If you need to take antibiotics at all, be sure to take B-Complex vitamins with it.
- Limit sugar and salt. Take only what you need. Excessive sugar and salt in the form of processed foods also causes stomach bloating. Watch out for fizzy drinks too!
- Limit eating heavy meals late at night, as it will encourage the buildup of acid which can lead to bloating.
