Bloating is a condition that occurs when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract gets filled with air or gas. This is one of the most common conditions in almost every human. When you are bloated, you tend to feel a little heavier, and your stomach looks larger than usual. Though this is not life-threatening in all cases, it has a few exceptions; this article will provide insights on when bloating can be a serious condition.

Is bloating a concerning sign?

Everybody knows the unpleasant feeling of having a “full belly” after eating too much. Most of the time, you can rest easy knowing that everything is well. Rarely, it may be a sign of something more serious going on, and you can notice when bloated stomach remedies don’t seem to show any effect. You shouldn’t worry too much about your bloating unless it’s accompanied by additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and a significant loss of weight. 

The majority of the time, bloating can be attributed to dietary choices or other simple causes like eating a large meal or too much salt. Here we’ll talk about why you could be feeling bloated and when that can be cause for concern.

The common stomach bloating causes can include:

Some of the most prevalent causes of abdominal bloat are discussed below. Modifying one’s diet and way of life can often alleviate or prevent bloating brought on by these factors.

Consuming diet products:

Sorbitol and xylitol, two common sugar alcohols used in diet foods, can give you gas and bloat. Too many of these, or any artificial substances, in the diet, might lead to abdominal distention.

Fizz-filled drinks:

Carbonated beverages like soda, champagne, and seltzer can create havoc on your digestive system. The bubbles in these drinks expand when you consume them, leaving you feeling full and bloated. Gas, bloating, and loose stools are all common side effects of consuming probiotic, naturally fermented drinks like kombucha.

Constipation:

Every single one of us knows the painful feeling of being unable to relieve ourselves. It’s common to smell gas when you’re stuck in traffic. Feeling bloated and heavy is a common side effect of having gas in your stomach.

Feeling under constant stress:

One of the physical manifestations of stress is a disruption of the digestive process, which can manifest as abdominal fullness and discomfort. You can feel bloated because you’ve swallowed more air than usual because of your heavy breathing. When your heart rate increases, your body shifts blood away from the digestive system. The most common sign of abdominal bloating is a large stomach and feeling full. Here are a few signs to look out for that can help you distinguish between the usual bloating and the one that is caused due to a serious illness.

The signs can include:

Bloating that is associated with pain:

Pain and lower abdomen swelling are common symptoms of ovarian cancer, caused by a collection of fluid (called ascites) in the abdominal cavity. Cancer cells make up the bulk of the fluid. However, cancer-related obstructions in the lymphatic system or the intestines can also play a role in this condition.

Stomach pain after eating could be due to bowel obstruction or a small or large intestine blockage that prevents food from moving through.

Bloating that seems to show any sign of relief:

Concern should be raised if abdominal bloating persists for more than two weeks per month.

Do not be shy about seeking help if your bloating persists despite your best efforts to alleviate it by changing your diet or passing gas. Seeking stomach bloating treatment if the condition lasts more than a few days and does not improve with dietary or gastrointestinal changes.

A drastic change in bathroom habits:

Alterations in bathroom habits may also point to ovarian cancer, which may be the cause of your bloating. Abnormalities in bowel or urine function can be an indicator of a more serious problem.

If a mass is large enough and pressing on the bladder, you may feel the urgent need to use the restroom more frequently.

Facing severe weight loss without much effort:

You should be especially concerned if you notice that you are losing weight in addition to experiencing other symptoms, such as bloating. See a doctor at a hospital for gastroenterology if you lose more than five percent of your body weight in six months to a year and can’t account for it.

Cancers of the thyroid, liver, pancreas, and intestines, as well as the esophagus, ovaries, and lungs, can all manifest in the body through rapid and dramatic weight loss.

Cancerous tumours, for example, can press against the abdominal area, where abdominal bloating typically occurs; thus, it is possible to lose weight while still feeling distended. Because cancer swiftly depletes a person’s energy supplies, weight loss may occur at the same time.

Feeling constantly tired:

Thyroid issues can cause extreme weariness on top of other symptoms, such as bloating. One’s metabolism is regulated by hormones secreted by the thyroid, a gland at the base of one’s neck.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not secrete enough of its hormones. Hyperthyroidism affects those whose thyroid gland produces an abnormally high volume of hormones. A lack of energy is a symptom of adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism caused by hormonal imbalances.

Bloating that is associated with diarrhea:

If you have diarrhea and are also experiencing abdominal distention, it may be an indication that you need to increase the amount of fibre in your diet. However, a nutritional shortage or pancreatic issue may be to blame if diarrhea and bloating persist despite a diet high in the vitamin.

Changes in appetite:

Though this is a sign of a serious issue, it is advisable to seek medical help in case you are dealing with appetite loss along with bloating.

Takeaway:

Prevalent and usually harmless, temporary bloating is relatively common. But if your bloating is severe or ongoing, especially with accompanying symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately. This could be an indication of an underlying serious life condition. Finding the right stomach specialist in Coimbatore can help you get the right treatment.