Abdominal bloating or distension is a fairly common problem that affects 15-30% of the population in Spain. It can be temporary and related to food consumption or it can appear as a symptom of an illness.
A bloated belly, or abdominal distension, is a digestive system problem that can occur in people who are underweight or healthy, or in those who are overweight or obese (according to the BMI); although the sensation of bloating is more evident in people who are not overweight. Women are the ones who report this problem the most, but it is not exclusive to the female sex. In many cases, it is due to a digestive problem that is usually solved with a change in diet.
Causes of abdominal bloating
Bloating is the sensation of tension or swelling in the abdomen. It may or may not be accompanied by an enlarged waist. It often causes discomfort and may be accompanied by pain.
These are some of the most common causes of abdominal swelling or distension:
Gas. The buildup of gas in the stomach and intestines is one of the main causes of bloating. Eating foods that cause gas can cause temporary bloating in the stomach.
Fluid retention . Eating salty foods or changes in hormone levels can cause the body to retain fluid. In fact, it is common for women to experience this bloating in the days leading up to their period.
Constipation . This digestive disorder sometimes appears with bloating and abdominal discomfort. Constipation can be caused by, among other things, a lack of fiber in the diet, dehydration, the consumption of certain medications or certain intestinal disorders.
Bacterial overgrowth . A normal gastrointestinal tract contains a wide variety of bacteria, some of which help us digest food. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the bacterial population. In particular, there is an overgrowth of bacteria that are not normally found in the small intestine.
Food intolerance . When a person bloats after eating certain foods, it may be due to a food allergy or intolerance. This happens to people with celiac disease and lactose intolerance, for example.
Irritable bowel syndrome . Bloating sometimes appears as a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This condition causes abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. It is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning there is no underlying problem to explain the symptoms.
Gastroparesis is a disorder that slows or stops the movement of food into the small intestine. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
When should we worry?
Having bloating from time to time is normal. In most cases, it will go away within a day or two. However, if the bloating lasts a long time or recurs and does not improve despite changes in diet and lifestyle, it is a good idea to see your doctor to find out the cause and find the right treatment.
It is important to consult a professional if abdominal swelling is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, pale skin, loss of appetite or yellowing of the skin.
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