Bloating
Bloating can be linked to several health issues. It's advisable to speak to a healthcare professional if you experience this symptom.
When to seek medical help
If your bloating is severe, sudden, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek urgent medical attention. Always consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned.
Conditions related to bloating
Diverticular disease and diverticulitis
Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are common health issues that impact the large intestine, also known as the bowel.
Food intolerance
Food intolerance refers to difficulty digesting certain foods, leading to various symptoms. Common signs include bloating, stomach pain, gas, diarrhoea, and nausea, which can occur within a few hours or even days after consuming the problematic food. Unlike food allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system. Diagnosing food intolerance typically starts with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and eating habits with a healthcare professional. They may suggest keeping a food diary to track your meals and any related symptoms. In some cases, they might recommend specific tests, such as blood tests or elimination diets, to identify the offending food. Treatment for food intolerance primarily involves dietary management. This means avoiding the foods that trigger your symptoms. A dietitian can provide guidance on how to maintain a balanced diet while excluding certain foods. In some instances, over-the-counter medications may help alleviate symptoms, but it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before using them.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the stomach's ability to empty its contents properly. This delayed gastric emptying can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Common signs include nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food. Some people may also experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels due to the unpredictable digestion process. Diagnosis of gastroparesis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examinations, and specific tests. One common test is the gastric emptying study, where a patient consumes a meal containing a small amount of radioactive material to track how quickly food moves through the stomach. Other diagnostic methods might include an upper endoscopy or imaging tests. The causes of gastroparesis can vary. It is often linked to diabetes, particularly when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves that control stomach muscles. Other potential causes include certain medications, surgeries involving the stomach, and conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. Treatment for gastroparesis aims to manage symptoms and improve gastric emptying. This can include dietary changes, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding high-fat and high-fibre foods that can slow digestion. In some cases, medications that stimulate stomach contractions or help manage nausea may be prescribed. Severe instances might require more advanced treatments, such as gastric electrical stimulation or, in rare cases, surgery.
Giardiasis
Learn about giardiasis, an infection affecting the digestive system caused by small parasites known as Giardia intestinalis.
Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common condition where the body struggles to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms typically include bloating, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and flatulence, which usually occur within a few hours after consuming lactose-containing foods. To manage lactose intolerance, various treatments are available. Many individuals find relief by reducing or eliminating dairy from their diets. Lactose-free products are also widely available, allowing those affected to enjoy dairy without discomfort. Additionally, over-the-counter lactase enzyme supplements can help break down lactose when taken before meals. To determine if you have lactose intolerance, your doctor may recommend a few tests. The most common include the hydrogen breath test, where you breathe into a device to measure hydrogen levels after consuming a lactose-rich drink, and the lactose tolerance test, which checks blood glucose levels after lactose ingestion. Lactose intolerance can be caused by a deficiency in lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose. This deficiency can be genetic or develop over time, particularly in adulthood, as some people naturally produce less lactase as they age.