Get professional guidance from a nurse or doctor for managing bloating and related symptoms.

Understanding Bloating

• Bloating occurs when the stomach feels full or distended.
• This common sensation can result from various factors, including diet choices.
• If bloating persists, consult a healthcare provider to explore potential conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
• Other common causes of bloating include eating too quickly, consuming carbonated beverages, and swallowing air while eating or drinking.
• Some people may also experience bloating due to food intolerances or sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity.
• Keeping a food diary can help identify specific triggers that contribute to bloating.

Bloating Explained

Bloating refers to the sensation of stomach distension or stretching, often accompanied by feeling gassy or full, more common in females.

This article delves into bloating triggered by intestinal gas.

Intestinal gas can be caused by swallowing air, eating certain foods that produce gas during digestion, or by the natural breakdown of food in the large intestine by bacteria. Common culprits include beans, lentils, carbonated drinks, and certain vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.

To help reduce bloating caused by intestinal gas, try eating smaller meals, avoiding carbonated beverages, chewing food slowly, and incorporating probiotics into your diet. Keeping a food diary can also help identify any particular foods that may be triggering your bloating.

Recognizing Bloating Symptoms

Additional symptoms when experiencing bloating may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Burping (flatulence or farting)

For females, bloating symptoms may intensify before menstruation.

Evaluate Your Symptoms — Use the Symptom Checker to assess the need for medical help.

Possible Causes and Conditions

Bloating can have multiple causes, mostly non-severe.

Factors contributing to bloating encompass:

• Specific dietary choices
• Eating rapidly causing excessive air ingestion
• Consumption of fizzy beverages or excessive gum chewing

Long-term bloating may correlate with conditions like:

• IBS
• Food intolerances such as lactose or gluten sensitivities

Consulting a Healthcare Professional

Your physician will inquire about your symptoms, duration, aggravating or alleviating factors, diet, and family medical history.

Medical examinations like blood tests or stool samples may be suggested.

You might be referred to a dietitian or gastroenterologist for further assessment.

If needed, advanced procedures like gastroscopy or colonoscopy could be performed.

Locate a Health Service — Find healthcare providers using the Service Finder.

It is important to be open and honest with your healthcare professional about your symptoms and concerns to receive the best possible care.

Make sure to follow any recommendations or treatment plans provided by your healthcare provider for optimal health outcomes.

Remember to schedule regular check-ups and screenings as recommended by your healthcare team to maintain good health.

• Severe abdominal pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Blood in stool

Additional Tips:

1. Keep track of your symptoms, including when they occur and any potential triggers.
2. Stay hydrated and avoid foods that may exacerbate bloating, such as beans, lentils, and dairy products.
3. Avoid carbonated drinks and gum, as they can contribute to bloating.

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about persistent bloating.

Treating Bloating based on the Underlying Cause

Treatment for bloating varies depending on the root cause.

Dietary modifications might help alleviate bloating, but consulting with a healthcare provider or dietitian is crucial.

If constipation is a concern, consider:

• Including more high-fibre foods in your diet
• Increasing water intake
• Maintaining a regular exercise routine

Medical Interventions for Managing Bloating

Your doctor may prescribe medications to address bloating, including:

• Treatments for constipation
• Digestive aids
• Fibre supplements and herbal remedies

Boosting gut health through probiotics or dietary adjustments may also prove beneficial.

Exploring Psychological and Behavioural Therapies

Psychological or behavioural therapies could assist in addressing certain causes of bloating.

Consult your physician to determine the suitability of these therapies in your situation.

In addition to these strategies, practicing stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can also help manage bloating. Managing stress levels can have a positive impact on gut health and overall digestive function.

Additional Resources for Dealing with Bloating

For bloating associated with diet, IBS, or food intolerance, consider visiting Dietitians Australia for further guidance. Use their search tool to find a dietitian.

Nutrition Australia provides information on gut health and the gut microbiome.

The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) offers resources on gut-related issues.

Contact the healthdirect helpline at 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for around-the-clock assistance.

Sources:

Last reviewed: October 2024

More Insightful Topics Available

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Diet
• Abdominal Pain
• Stomach
• Flatulence

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Key Insights

Managing coeliac disease involves adopting a gluten-free diet, although its universality is debatable.

Addressing Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Managing IBS focuses on symptom control rather than a complete cure, potentially benefiting from stress management strategies.

Preventing IBS Symptoms

While IBS lacks a definitive cure, avoiding triggers is essential for symptom prevention.

Health Maintenance for Diabetes

Effective diabetes management emphasizes healthy eating patterns and vigilance in daily food intake.

Understanding Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance may manifest in symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Managing Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia or indigestion involves upper abdominal discomfort post-eating, necessitating accurate diagnosis and care.

Tackling Constipation Concerns

Constipation, characterized by infrequent or challenging bowel movements, can be addressed through dietary changes, hydration, and regular physical activity.

Exploring Endometriosis

Endometriosis involves uterine lining growth outside the uterus, with unclear causal factors affecting various body parts.

Addressing Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open sores in the stomach or intestines due to disrupted acid defenses, requiring thought-out treatment.

Understanding Eating Disorders

Comprehending eating disorders involves considering biological, psychological, environmental, and socio-cultural influences on irregular eating habits.

Supporting Patients with Renal Failure

Renal failure necessitates supportive care, like dialysis, until kidney transplant opportunities arise.

Managing Diarrhea

Diarrhea is typified by watery stools, necessitating suitable management for acute or chronic cases.

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Recognizing Normal vs. Problematic Belly in Babies

Parents should monitor newborns’ bellies, which could indicate normal growth or digestive issues.

Other signs to look out for in babies with a large belly include:

• Excessive gas or bloating
• Constipation
• Irritability or discomfort after feeding
• Difficulty with bowel movements

If you notice any of these symptoms in your baby, it is important to consult with their pediatrician to rule out any underlying health issues and to determine the best course of action for their care.

Interpreting Belly Size in Children

A large belly in children might be normal if the child is healthy and developing adequately.

Physiological factors can contribute to a big belly in children.

Infant’s Belly Variation

After feeding, it’s normal for newborns, especially young children, to have a bigger belly that softens between feedings.

Understanding Childhood Belly Changes

The intestinal structure and overeating could lead to a child’s big belly, which typically resolves with growth and development.

Parents need not worry if the cause is primarily physiological.

Digestive Health in Infants

A big belly in babies could be a result of the normal digestive process. Stool characteristics offer insights into digestion.

• For breastfed infants: liquid, lilac, or mustard-like stool
• For formula-fed babies: solid stool

Barring any abnormalities, parents need not fret over a baby’s large belly.

Signs of Digestive Diseases in Children

A big belly might indicate a digestive ailment in children that necessitates attention.

Warning Indicators of Metabolic Disorders

Persistent nausea suggests a metabolic disorder in children, warranting medical assessment.

Signs like a firm abdomen and absence of bowel sounds may point to a severe issue.

Evaluating Infection-Related Causes

Abdominal distention coupled with other symptoms may signal an infection-related origin, requiring swift evaluation.

Assessing Constipation and Stool Quality

Children with a big belly should be evaluated for constipation, intestinal obstructions, and stool consistency.

Possible Causes of Enlarged Belly in Children

Diseases like bloating, abdominal distension, and tumors could be responsible for a large belly in children.

• Bloating, distension: Loss of appetite, discomfort, vomiting
• Megacolon in newborns: Tense abdomen
• Other causes: Food allergies, tumors

During a child’s development, a large belly can be a common occurrence, but it is important to seek medical attention if any other symptoms are present.

For more information, reach out to the HOTLINE or schedule an appointment HERE. You can also download the MyVinmec app for easy appointment bookings.

After noticing the swelling in Clayton Moorse’s belly, his parents discovered that he had Wilms tumor.

Despite the initial shock of the diagnosis, Clayton has responded well to treatment and is now thriving.

Severe belly bloating

Clayton’s energetic behavior changed when his belly started to appear swollen, prompting his family to seek immediate medical attention, which led to the tumor’s discovery.

The Moorse family is grateful for the support they received during Clayton’s treatment.

Regularly monitoring children’s health is crucial for early detection of potential issues.

A CT scan at Children’s Health in Dallas revealed a tumor attached to Clayton’s left kidney, surprising the family.

Fearing a blockage in his stomach or intestines due to his distended abdomen, the Moorse family consulted with doctors.

Medical professionals recommended surgery to remove the grapefruit-sized mass, identified as a Wilms tumor. The fragile nature of the tumor raised concerns about its removal.

After successfully removing the tumor in one piece, doctors prescribed six rounds of radiation and two and a half months of chemotherapy for Clayton. Despite a temporary increase in lethargy during treatment, he experienced minimal side effects.

Following the surgery, Clayton was encouraged to maintain a positive outlook on treatment and focus on the enjoyable moments, like eating popsicles, rather than the discomfort of medical procedures.

The diagnosis of cancer in Clayton was frightening for his parents, but they remained hopeful and maintained a positive attitude throughout the treatment process.

Child life specialists helped Clayton cope by likening the scar on his abdomen to a superhero emblem, which provided a new perspective for his parents.

Wilms tumor

Dr. Samir Pandya, Clayton’s treating physician, explained that Wilms tumor is the most common kidney tumor in children. Advancements in treatment have significantly improved the prognosis for the 500 to 800 young patients diagnosed annually in the US.

While Wilms tumors were once considered fatal, advancements in surgical techniques, chemotherapy, and radiation have greatly changed the outlook for affected children. Ongoing research aims to uncover the underlying causes of these tumors.

Most children with Wilms tumors are diagnosed due to abdominal swelling or a lump, often detected during routine check-ups.

• Blood in urine
• Excessive vomiting
• Inability to eat

If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to consult a pediatrician for evaluation. Treatment typically involves surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiation for more severe cases.

Dr. Pandya praised the Moorse family for their strength and positivity during Clayton’s diagnosis and treatment.

‘Just the best attitude’

Clayton proudly displays his half-moon scar, symbolizing his battle with cancer and the resilience it represents.

Since completing chemotherapy in 2022, Clayton has remained healthy, attending yearly check-ups to monitor his condition. His parents admire his strength and positive attitude throughout the treatment.

Despite a slight delay in his final round of chemotherapy, Clayton experienced minimal side effects and showed remarkable resilience. The Moorse family expressed gratitude for the in-depth research on Wilms tumors that guided Clayton’s treatment plan.