Intestinal bloating occurs for a number of reasons and, depending upon the cause, can be temporary or long term. Regardless, it is uncomfortable and embarrassing. Bloating is often accompanied by other symptoms, including belching, flatulence, constipation, abdominal pain and acid reflux. Bloating can also be a symptom of many digestive disorders. While many people often suffer through times of bloating, there are number of relief methods.
What is Bloating?
The Mayo Clinic defines bloating as a natural condition that occurs when undigested food passes through the digestive system, causing gas that cannot be released through belching or flatulence. The gas builds up in the stomach and intestines, leading to bloating. Bloating may occur occasionally over time or repeatedly within a day, depending upon the severity of the cause. It causes the abdomen to feel full and tight or even appear visibly swollen or distended. Mild and dull or sharp and intense abdominal pain is often experienced with bloating. Passing gas or experiencing a bowel movement may relieve this pain.
Etiology
MedlinePlus states that there are a number of causes of bloating. Individuals may suffer from only one or two of these causes. The most common causes of bloating are: swallowing air, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, overeating, lactose intolerance, poor eating habits, stress and premenstrual syndrome. More serious medical problems that may result in bloating include ascites, tumors, celiac disease, dumping syndrome, and pancreatic insufficiency. Additionally, medications containing lactulose or sorbitol may cause bloating. This list is not exhaustive, but is comprehensive.
Medical Management
As reported by Real Age, the underlying cause of bloating should be treated first and foremost to relieve symptoms. However, there are medications that can be taken to ease bloating. For some individuals, taking enzymes before a meal may help ward off the effects of gas-forming foods. For example, an individual may take lactase tablets before consuming dairy if he is lactose intolerant. Beano tablets also help to eliminate gas caused by eating legumes, vegetables and whole grains. Over-the-counter medications containing bismuth subsalicylate, such as Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer, Mylanta, Maalox or Gas-X, are also beneficial in relieving bloating and associated symptoms.
Dietary Treatment
If your bloating is not the result of a medical condition, diet modification is perhaps the best treatment. Real Age explains that it is important to observe your eating behaviors in addition to the types of foods consumed. Recommendations include eating small, frequent meals throughout the day; chewing food thoroughly to promote easy digestion; sitting straight up while eating; avoiding high-fat meals as they slow digestion; exercising to maintain healthy bowel function; and reducing gas-provoking foods in the diet. It is important to consume a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet.
Natural Remedies
According to Pure Inside Out, there are a number of herbal remedies known to aid in proper digestion and ease bloating. A hot cup of peppermint, ginger, chamomile or fennel tea with cinnamon or honey not only relieves bloating, but also calms the stomach. Probiotics, such as acidophilus and bifidus, are beneficial in activating regular bowel movements and easing blockages due to waste accumulation in the intestines, which promote gas and bloating.
