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Abdominal Bloating

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Introduction

Abdominal bloating is a sensation of tightness, pressure, or fullness in the abdomen. It may or may not be accompanied by visible abdominal distension. It might range from being slightly uncomfortable to extremely painful. Abdominal bloating usually goes away after a while, but for some people, it’s a recurring problem. Cyclical bloating can be brought on by hormonal changes and digestive problems. Those with functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation, report experiencing abdominal bloating at a rate that is nearly 40% of the general population. People with moderate to severe, chronic symptoms report that these symptoms have a detrimental impact on their quality of life and level of activity. If your bloating doesn’t go away or is becoming worse with passing time, you should seek medical care to determine the cause. In this blog, we will explore abdominal bloating symptoms and their treatment.

Causes of Abdominal Bloating

There are a lot of things that can make you feel bloated:

Eating too much or too quickly makes it hard for your stomach to break down the food.
Eating too quickly or talking while eating
Certain foods, such as beans and carbonated drinks, can cause gas.
When your digestion is slow, food stays in your gut for a long time.
Food sensitivities like gluten or lactose intolerance or carbohydrate malabsorption can be a cause of bloating.
Constipation results in the accumulation of stool for a long time in the intestines, leading to gas and bloating.
SIBO, or Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is caused by factors such as alterations in intestinal anatomy or gastrointestinal motility, or a lack of gastric acid secretion. The overgrowth of gut bacteria in the small intestine can lead to bloating.
Bowel obstruction can occur due to tumours, scar tissue, strictures, stenosis, or hernias, as well as damage to the gut from inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease.
Changes in hormones, especially in women, before and during their periods or perimenopause time.
Stress and anxiety can impair digestion.
Some medications, such as NSAIDs, antibiotics, and anticholinergics, can cause bloating.

Symptoms of Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal Discomfort and Gurgling – You may feel a sense of pressure, tightness, or cramping in your stomach. It can feel like your belly is stretched or tense, sometimes causing mild discomfort, gurgling sounds and other times sharper pain. The symptoms may worsen after eating or later in the day as gas builds up.
Abdominal Swelling: The first external symptom of bloating is a visibly enlarged abdomen.
Belching and Flatulence: When a person swallows excessive amounts of air while eating or drinking, this air can be trapped within the stomach and will eventually create pressure, excessive burping, and flatulence.
Uncomfortable Fullness: Feeling heaviness or sluggishness due to the slowed digestive process or trapped gas, even when you did not eat much food.

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Medical Care

Diagnosis

To determine the underlying cause of abdominal bloating, it is important to gather a comprehensive patient history and perform a thorough physical examination. Doctors usually ask when symptoms began, how they progressed, and if food intolerances caused them. They will also go over the patient’s prescription drugs and/or dietary supplements, as well as any prior surgeries that might have an impact on their ability to digest food. Additionally, they will ask questions about the patient’s bowel habits and any changes that may have occurred recently. This information can help identify a range of factors that could lead to an increase in bacterial overgrowth, increased gut sensitivity, or the development of bowel disorders such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Ayurvedic Treatment for Abdominal Bloating

According to Ayurveda, abdominal bloating is caused by impaired Agni, which is caused by the disruption of the flow of Vata dosha. The imbalance can be caused by several factors, including low digestive ability, suppressing normal urges to eliminate waste products from the body, eating at odd times, experiencing high levels of stress, consuming heavy or cold food /drink, consuming foods that are not compatible with the individual’s digestive system. When the digestive process slows down, gases become trapped in the digestive tract, leading to bloating in the abdomen, which can feel stiff, pressure-like, or excessively full to the touch. Pratyadhmana describes pain related to gas trapped in the upper stomach, while Adhmana describes the pain related to gas trapped in the lower abdomen. Ayurveda does not view these conditions as simply an indicator of digestive dysfunction. Ayurveda views these conditions as signs of the lack of optimal function of the digestive tract and is indicative of a wider systemic imbalance. Ayurveda treatment for bloating focuses on strengthening Agni with the help of herbal remedies, dietary changes and lifestyle changes.

Home Remedies for Abdominal Bloating

Eating a small piece of fresh ginger with rock salt (Lavanardraka) before meals speeds up your metabolism and keeps you from getting bloated.
Keep drinking warm water that has been boiled with ajwain or cumin.
To ease bloating pain, rub a little mustard oil and asafoetida on your belly button.
Be mindful of what you’re eating and chew your food properly.
To match your agni, eat smaller meals more often.
Gentle exercise can also help ease gas buildup in the stomach.

When to Seek the Doctors

While abdominal distension is often a common problem and can usually be treated with lifestyle changes and dietary modifications, there are some instances when you should consult with a physician.

If your symptoms get worse over time.
If bloating has not gone away after one week (or more).
If it is associated with other symptoms, such as fever or nausea.
If it is causing you severe or persistent pain or bloating.

Conclusion

While many people experience abdominal bloating, at times it can affect the quality of life and overall health. By better understanding the symptoms associated with bloating and making some simple lifestyle changes or using herbal remedies, you may find much-needed relief. Knowing when to consult a physician is just as important as knowing what type of treatment you may need.

FAQs

What is the fastest way to relieve bloating?

Gentle movement, warm water, and avoiding heavy or gas-forming foods can help ease bloating quickly. For many people, herbal teas like ginger, cumin, or peppermint also provide fast relief.

Is bloating due to gas or indigestion?

Bloating can be caused by gas buildup, stretching the abdomen, while indigestion slows down the movement of food. Often, the two occur together and make symptoms feel worse.

Can Triphala help with bloating?

Yes, Triphala is traditionally used in Ayurveda to support digestion and regular bowel movements, which can reduce gas and bloating. It helps strengthen Agni (digestive fire) and promotes smoother digestion over time.

Does bloating always mean a digestive issue?

Not always. Bloating can also be influenced by stress, hormones, medications, or eating habits. However, if it’s persistent, it’s best to check for any underlying digestive concerns.

How does Ayurveda explain abdominal bloating?

Ayurveda views bloating as a sign of weak Agni and an imbalance in Vata, leading to trapped gas and sluggish digestion. Treatment focuses on restoring balance through herbs, diet, and lifestyle adjustments.

REFERENCES

Foley, A., Burgell, R., Barrett, J. S., & Gibson, P. R. (2014). Management Strategies for Abdominal Bloating and Distension. Gastroenterology & Hepatology (N Y), 10(9), 561–571.

Mishra, R. S., & Chandurkar, V. (2023). Management of Udar Vyadhi with Ayurveda with Special Reference to Ascites. International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga, 6(10), 60–70.

Mari, A., Abu Backer, F., Mahamid, M., Amara, H., Carter, D., Boltin, D., & Dickman, R. (2019). Bloating and Abdominal Distension: Clinical Approach and Management. Advances in Therapy, 36(5), 1075–1084.

Crucillà, S., Caldart, F., Michelon, M., Marasco, G., & Costantino, A. (2024). Functional Abdominal Bloating and Gut Microbiota: An Update. Microorganisms, 12(8), 1669.

Seo, A. Y., Kim, N., & Oh, D. H. (2013). Abdominal Bloating: Pathophysiology and Treatment. Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 19(4), 433–453.

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