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Bloating

Bloating refers to a sensation of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdomen, often accompanied by visible distension or discomfort. It is a common issue that many people experience from time to time. While bloating is typically harmless, it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying health condition. If you are experiencing bloating, it is important that your symptoms are assessed by an expert, such as Mr Ferguson, who can appropriately assess, investigate and treat the cause of your symptoms.

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Common Causes of Bloating

Dietary Factors

  • Gas-producing foods: Certain foods like beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, onions, and carbonated drinks can cause gas to build up in the intestines, leading to bloating.

  • Overeating: Eating large meals or eating too quickly can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to bloating.

  • Lactose intolerance: People with lactose intolerance have difficulty digesting dairy products, which can lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhoea.

  • Artificial sweeteners: Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and mannitol, found in sugar-free foods and drinks, can cause bloating and gas in some individuals.

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Digestive Disorders

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine, leading to symptoms such as bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, and constipation.

  • Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten triggers inflammation in the small intestine, leading to bloating, diarrhoea, and malabsorption of nutrients.

  • Food intolerances: In addition to lactose, other food intolerances (e.g., fructose or gluten) can cause bloating.

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Hormonal Changes

  • Menstrual cycle: Many women experience bloating as a result of hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle, especially just before or during menstruation.

  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and the growing uterus can slow down digestion, leading to bloating in pregnant women.

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Lifestyle Factors

  • Swallowing air: Eating or drinking too quickly, chewing gum, or drinking through a straw can lead to swallowing air, which can cause bloating.

  • Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress can affect digestion, leading to bloating and discomfort. Stress may also slow down the digestive process and exacerbate symptoms of a more serious cause of bloating.

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Serious Causes of Bloating

While most cases of bloating are not serious, persistent or severe bloating may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If bloating is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. Some serious causes of bloating include:

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Colorectal Cancer

  • Symptoms: Bloating that is accompanied by significant changes in bowel habits (e.g., persistent diarrhea or constipation), unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, and fatigue may be signs of colorectal cancer.

  • Explanation: Bloating can occur if a tumor blocks the colon or rectum, causing a buildup of gas or stool. Other symptoms, such as blood in the stool, may also be present.

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Ovarian Cancer

  • Symptoms: Bloating, abdominal pain or discomfort, feeling full quickly after eating, and changes in urinary frequency can be early signs of ovarian cancer, especially in women over 50.

  • Explanation: Ovarian cancer may cause the abdomen to become swollen or distended due to fluid buildup (ascites) or a mass in the ovaries.

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

  • Conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both forms of IBD, are chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract and can lead to bloating.

  • Symptoms: In addition to bloating, symptoms may include persistent diarrhea, weight loss, blood in the stool, and abdominal pain or cramping.

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Liver Disease

  • Symptoms: Chronic bloating, especially when accompanied by jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), swelling in the legs or abdomen (ascites), fatigue, and weight loss, could be a sign of liver disease, including cirrhosis or liver cancer.

  • Explanation: Liver dysfunction can lead to fluid retention in the abdomen, causing bloating and discomfort.

 

Bowel Obstruction

  • Symptoms: Severe bloating, along with sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and an inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, may indicate a bowel obstruction.

  • Explanation: A blockage in the small or large intestine (due to conditions like adhesions, hernias, or tumors) can prevent food, liquid, and gas from moving through the digestive system, leading to bloating and discomfort.

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Investigations for Abdominal Bloating

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Mr Ferguson may recommend tests to determine the cause of your bloating, such as:

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