Bloating can be caused by swallowing too much air when eating or chewing gum, consuming too many carbonated drinks or gas-causing foods, or indigestion, and can be relieved by changing your habits.
However, excess gas in the stomach can also occur due to gastrointestinal problems, such as gastritis, ulcers, or gastroesophageal reflux, along with symptoms such as heartburn or stomach pain.
When gas is excessive, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, a gastroenterologist should be consulted to determine its cause and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of bloating
The main symptoms of bloating are:
- abdominal swelling;
- heaviness in the stomach;
- Frequent hiccups;
- nausea;
- abdominal discomfort;
- Chest pain, which may be confused with a heart attack.
Likewise, when it is caused by a gastrointestinal problem, other symptoms that may occur include heartburn, a burning sensation in the stomach or a lump in the throat, or stomach pain.
If bloating is frequent or persistent or is accompanied by symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist so the cause can be identified and the most appropriate treatment can be started.
main reason
The main causes of bloating include:
1. Swallowing a lot of air
Swallowing large amounts of air (scientifically known as aerophagia) can cause air to accumulate in the stomach, causing excess gas and distension.
In addition, it can cause other symptoms such as abdominal bloating, heaviness in the stomach, frequent belching, and excessive intestinal gas.
Some situations that may cause you to swallow large amounts of air include eating too fast, chewing gum frequently, talking too much or while eating, smoking, or drinking liquids through a straw.
To do: Chew slowly and carefully when eating, and avoid chewing gum or talking while eating to avoid swallowing a large amount of air and reduce the accumulation of gas in the stomach. Check out other ways to treat aerophagia.
2. Eating foods that produce gas
Eating gas-producing foods such as beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, lentils, onions, or garlic may cause stomach or intestinal gas due to the fermentation of these foods.
Likewise, eating foods rich in sugar or fiber can increase the amount of gas in your stomach or intestines.
To do: It is important to eat a balanced diet and reduce the consumption of foods that increase gas production to help reduce the formation of gas in the stomach.
3. Drinking too much carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks, or sodas, are beverages that contain carbon dioxide, such as soft drinks, sodas, energy drinks, or beer, and excessive consumption can cause excess gas in the stomach.
To do: You should avoid regular or excessive consumption of carbonated drinks and prefer non-carbonated drinks such as water, natural juices or tea. Learn about some tea options for replenishing gas.
4. Indigestion
For example, indigestion may occur after overeating or mixing high-fiber foods with high-fat foods, which slows digestion and causes excess gas in the stomach.
Additionally, other symptoms of indigestion include bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, frequent burping, and nausea.
Indigestion can also be caused by gastrointestinal problems such as gastritis, ulcers, or fatty liver disease.
To do: It is recommended to eat a light diet and avoid fatty foods. Likewise, when indigestion occurs frequently, a gastroenterologist should be consulted to assess its cause and, if necessary, indicate the most appropriate treatment. Learn how to treat indigestion.
5.Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach that often causes stomach pain and may be accompanied by bloating, excessive burping, and a bloating or burning sensation.
Gastritis is more common in people with poor diets, but can also occur in people who are under a lot of stress, which can cause the stomach pH to change, leading to inflammation.
To do: A gastroenterologist should be consulted to perform an examination, diagnose gastritis, and thus indicate the most appropriate treatment, which usually involves the use of antacids or inhibitors of gastric acid production, such as omeprazole or esomeprazole. Learn about the main medications used to treat gastritis.
6. Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is when stomach contents return to the mouth, causing symptoms such as a burning sensation in the stomach that affects the chest and throat, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, and bloating.
Other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux include a lump in the throat, constant hiccups, and a frequent dry cough that is worse at night.
To do: A gastroenterologist should be consulted to begin the most appropriate treatment, which usually involves the use of medications that reduce stomach acidity, such as esomeprazole, cimetidine, or vonoprazan.
Likewise, dietary changes should be made, such as avoiding greasy foods, alcoholic beverages, and industrialized foods. It is also recommended to eat at least 3 hours before going to bed, as this can avoid relapse. Gastric contents pass into the mouth. See more details on reflux treatment.
7. Gastric ulcer
In most cases, stomach ulcers are the result of chronic gastritis or bacterial infection. Helicobacter pyloriSince the acid produced in the stomach constantly stimulates the gastric mucosa, it is conducive to the appearance of wounds.
For example, the most common symptoms of gastric ulcers are stomach pain, persistent bloating, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and persistent burping. Learn how to recognize all the symptoms of a stomach ulcer.
To do: Gastroenterologists use medications such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, or antacids to reduce stomach acidity to promote ulcer healing. Likewise, changes in eating habits are important. Find out what a stomach ulcer diet should be like.
8. Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is paralysis of the stomach that prevents the stomach from digesting and moving food to the intestines, resulting in gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
This condition can be caused by delayed gastric emptying or certain obstructions, often associated with diabetes or the use of medications such as semaglutide.
To do: Treatment of gastroparesis is performed by a gastroenterologist and usually includes medication to relieve symptoms and proper nutrition. Learn how to treat gastroparesis.
9. Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a deficiency or deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which causes diarrhea and abdominal pain. These symptoms may begin hours after consuming dairy products, along with excessive stomach and intestinal gas and nausea.
The intensity of these symptoms may vary depending on each person’s level of intolerance. Learn how to recognize all the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
To do: You should avoid dairy products such as cow’s or goat’s milk, cheese, yogurt or whey protein (whey protein), for example, in addition to consulting a gastroenterologist, the gastroenterologist may perform tests to confirm the diagnosis and indicate the use of lactase medications.