Bloating

Introduction
It is very commonly noted that after having meals some people experience pain in abdominal area. This pain is because of bloating. Bloating is basically caused by the gas trapped in the abdomen. Any one can suffer from bloating at any age. Even infants suffer from bloating. It can be for a short while or it can be a chronic condition. Bloating is also found in animals like cats and dogs. There are many factors resulting in bloating but since it does not have any serious impact on patient’s health. It can be cured by simple means if the symptoms are not extreme.

Alternative Names
It is also called as abdominal bloating.

Causes
The bloating is mainly caused by the intestinal gas. Mostly people suffer from this condition after having their meals. Swallowing air during eating and exercising can also be a cause of bloating. Frequent and persistent constipation can also be causing factor of bloating. Irritable bowel’s syndrome can also lead to bloating. Obstruction in bowel can be a reason too. Some times the food irritants could result in bloating. Lactose intolerance can also cause bloating. Some times there can be more serious reasons behind bloating such as ulcer and infection in the intestinal tract. Smoking, drinking alcohol or bad eating habits such as eating in hurry or eating while under stress can result in bloating. Indigestion can also lead to bloating. Indigestion can be due to some ulcer present in the food canal or may be because of some other reasons. The air can be produced by our own body reaction to food high in fiber.

Risk Factors

People who are used to sleeping just after the meals can experience bloating.
People with sedentary life style can suffer from bloating.
People who don’t eat for long times and then suddenly over eat are susceptible to bloating.
There is no age and sex limitation for bloating but in older ages it is more common.

Symptoms & Signs

Indigestion is a prominent sign and cause of bloating.
Pain and cramps in abdominal area is observed.
Burning sensation in upper abdominal area.
Feeling of nausea.
Feeling of tight and full stomach.
Having a sense of anxiousness.
Finding it hard to sleep with the disturbance of stomach.
Belching and burps are observed.
Even vomiting can be accompanied by the pain.

Diagnosis
Bloating can easily be diagnosed by symptoms but to find out the underlying cause is the utmost target to treat bloating. During diagnosing the doctor must look for the underlying cause of the bloating. Check up is needed to make sure that the patient is not suffering from ulcer. X-rays and ultrasounds can be beneficial in making diagnosis. Endoscopy of the stomach and intestine can also be done in order to diagnose the disease and to find out the causes.

Prevention

While exercising avoid swallowing air.
Do not swallow air while eating.
Avoid smoking.
Eat your meals calmly and chew the food completely to avoid bloating.
Avoid eating high fiber diet if prone to bloating.
Avoid food rich in fats which are heavy to assimilate, such as potatoes and cabbages which can further worsen the condition.

Treatment
There are several medicines to treat bloating. Besides medicines bloating can be treated by having mild exercises.

Primary Natural Supplements
Herbs

Licorice (DGL)
Papaya leaves

Vitamins

Vitamin B12

Secondary Natural Supplements
Herbs

Peppermint oil
Ginger

Dietary Guidelines

Use of sugar should be decreased as they are hard to break in the stomach.
Don’t eat chocolates if you are prone to bloating.
Avoid alcohol drinks.
Avoid all sorts of vegetables which can produce bloating, especially the raw vegetables, for example cabbage and beans.
Have more fruits in your diet.
Don’t eat starchy food.
Minimize the salt intake in your daily diet.
Avoid dairy products.

Home Care Suggestions
Make sure that your eating habits are good. Don’t eat in hurry and avoid overeating. Try to maintain your eating timings such that you don’t have to rest immediately after eating. Don’t exercise immediately after having food.

Mind/Body Considerations
To avoid sedentary life style; exercise daily or at least take a walk after dinner before sleeping.

Products

Digest-Ease 60 caps $5.94	Evening Primrose Oil 500 MG, 180 SftGels $21.42	KB-11 Herbal Diuretic 60 Tabs $4.49


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