Smoking can cause multiple health problems, including coronary heart disease, stroke and various cancers, including heart, lung, bladder, kidney, mouth and throat cancers. Smoking can also cause lung diseases, such as emphysema and bronchitis. Aside from these, infertility or sterility from smoking is a possibility. However, smoking may pose a bodily issue that is far less severe but annoying nonetheless -- bloating, which a condition wherein gas gets trapped in the stomach or intestines and causes distention of the belly. This problem may worsen upon smoking cessation.
Bloating while Smoking
As a smoker, you may experience bloating, a condition caused by the buildup of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Smoking cigarettes can increase the amount of air you take in, which increases the amount of gas that builds up in this area. Usually, relief from this buildup depends on where the gas is trapped. If trapped in the esophagus or stomach, gas will eventually leave through the mouth in the form of a belch. If gas builds up in the colon as your body tries to digest food, it will escape as flatulence. However, when the gas doesn't pass either way, it will build up in the stomach or intestines and lead to bloating.
Bloating after Cessation
After cessation, you may think you're experiencing bloat. However, your bloating may actually be from the typical weight gain associated with smoking cessation. When you quit smoking, your body no longer has an intake of nicotine, a substance that stimulates energy expenditure and mitigates feelings of hunger. However, when you quit, these nicotine effects no longer exist, causing hunger pangs and energy levels to return to normal. Therefore, what may seem like persistent bloating is actually weight gain from smoking cessation. In addition, note you may be experiencing actual bloating as a result from taking in excessive amounts of fat during this weight gain or taking in excessive amounts of air as you eat.
Possible Remedies
The best remedy for bloating while smoking is to quit. However, if you cannot, try consciously mitigating any intake of excess amount of air you swallow while smoking. Also lessen the amount of cigarettes you smoke, as this will lessen your chances of taking in excess air. If your bloating is related to the increased eating experienced after cessation, try limiting your intake of fatty foods. These can cause bloating as they delay stomach emptying. Also, try limiting the speed at which you eat, which can cause intake of excessive air.
Considerations
Your bloating may not be related to smoking. For instance, bloating can be caused by mental conditions such as stress and anxiety, or physical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or gastrointestinal infection. Lactose intolerance and celiac disease are also possible culprits. However, your bloating may result from easily altered habits, such as excessive intake of gas-producing foods like broccoli, baked beans, lettuce, hard candy, gum and carbonated drinks. Cut your intake of these foods if you feel they may cause your bloating. Consult your physician if you suspect a more serious cause.
