Feeling Bloated All The Time? Here Is What The Doctor For Stomach Pain Has To Say

Do you always feel like you have overindulged despite having a small meal? A feeling of fullness and a swollen sensation in the stomach make an individual extremely uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities.

The medical term for this condition is known as bloating. It is quite common among people, and we all experience it at some point in our lives. But what if your stomach is always bloated? Is it normal or indicative of a serious health concern?

In this blog, a reputed doctor for stomach pain explains the reason behind constant bloating and when it’s time to consider seeking medical attention.

What Is Bloating?

Having a bloated stomach means that your belly feels tight or full. Most of the time people confuse bloating with abdominal fat. This is mainly because whenever an individual is bloated, the stomach appears bigger.

While occasional bloating, especially after having a rich or heavy meal, is normal and caused by indigestion, a persistent bloated stomach must not be overlooked.

When Should You Worry About Bloating?

Bloating is generally temporary and harmless. But the condition can eventually become serious if it is frequent, severe and accompanied by other symptoms. Here are some troublesome signs that indicate your bloated stomach requires medical care.

• Cramping or sharp pain
• Changes in bowel movements such as constipation and diarrhoea
• Acid reflux, nausea and heartburn
• Tiredness or fatigue all the time
• Loss of appetite
• Better taste in the mouth
• Frequent passing of gas
• Gurgling sound in the stomach
• Blood in stool

You must see your healthcare provider if your bloated stomach continues for more than a week to know the root cause of the issue and get started with an appropriate treatment plan.

What Causes A Persistent Bloated Stomach?

According to the opinion of a doctor for stomach pain, there are several causes of a bloated stomach. Here are some of the common ones.

• Food intolerance, like lactose or gluten sensitivity.
• Irregular bowel movements for a long time ultimately lead to waste accumulation in the digestive tract.
• Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine
• Hormonal fluctuation during pregnancy and menopause
• Irritatable bowel syndrome
• Overeating or consuming food too quickly
• Stomach infection
• Stress and anxiety

Depending on the suspected cause, your healthcare provider will recommend diagnostic procedures such as blood tests, imaging tests or stool analysis to know the actual cause of your bloated stomach.

How To Get Relief From Bloating?

Take a look at the following long-term solutions to get relief from bloating.

• Dietary changes: Make changes in your eating habits and patterns. Try to find out which food item is causing sensitivity in the stomach.
• Lifestyle changes: Eat in small amounts at frequent times. Also, keep yourself hydrated.
• Medications: Your doctor might suggest medicines such as antacids, laxatives and stool softeners.
• Take probiotics: If the bloating is due to an imbalance in the gut bacteria, incorporate probiotics to crowd out harmful bacteria.

Conclusion

Bloating is indeed an unpleasant condition. While it is common and temporary, it is essential to keep a note of the other symptoms as well. If you find yourself bloated almost every day, consult an experienced doctor for stomach pain and notice a significant difference in your digestive health.