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He is one of the best gastroenterology doctors I have ever visited. Took my uncle for stomach pain, the doctor did endoscopy & colonoscopy, diagnosed the problem as large intestine cancer, the doctor asked a...
Uma V
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The doctor is extremely professional and polite. He explains the problem patiently and does not prescribe unnecessary medication. He gives priority to the patient's well-being over everything. I Will definitely recommend him
Chandrasekhar Sriramula
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I have referred/recommended a couple of my relatives and friends to this Dr (Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam). I say that the diagnosis and treatment are good and also Dr listens patiently in understanding the patient's...
Apoorva Reddy Panyala
Table Of Contents
- What is Gas Bloating?
- What Causes Bloating?
- What are the Symptoms of Gas Bloating?
- How is Bloating Diagnosed?
- How is Bloating Treated?
What is Gas Bloating?
Bloating is commonly described as a sense of being full or tight in the abdomen. It occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is filled with air or gas.
Bloating is common in all age groups, including toddlers.
What Causes Bloating?
The primary reason for gas in the stomach is swallowing air while eating or drinking. Gas also builds up during the breakdown of undigested food in the stomach. The body has two ways to get rid of this gas, burping and flatulence. But when there is delayed emptying of the stomach along with excess gas accumulation, the abdomen starts to feel bloated.
Common foods that cause bloating:
- High fibre food such as fruits, vegetables and legumes.
- Carbonated beverages like beer, soda and cold drinks.
- Sugar substitutes like xylitol and mannitol.
- Eating habits such as fast eating, chewing less and sucking on candies.
Medical conditions that cause bloating:
- Chronic intestinal diseases such as Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
- Food intolerance, such as the inability of the stomach to digest certain foods like lactose or gluten.
- Pancreatic insufficiency results in impaired digestion as the pancreas cannot produce enough enzymes.
- Liver diseases like ascites
- Constipation
- Bacterial growth in the small bowel can also lead to excessive gas production.
- Giardiasis
- Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa
What are the Symptoms of Gas Bloating?
Signs and symptoms include:
- Burping
- Releasing gas
- Pain, cramping, or a knotted feeling in the belly
- Sense of fullness or pressure (bloating) in the abdomen
- Visible distension in the abdomen
Burping is common, especially during or immediately after a meal. An average person passes gas up to 20 times each day. While experiencing gas might be annoying or embarrassing they are rarely signs of a medical concern on their own.
How is Bloating Diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based upon the following factors:
- Medical background
- Eating habits
- Physical examination
Your doctor may touch your abdomen during the physical exam to see if there is any soreness or if anything seems wrong. Using a stethoscope to listen to the sound of your abdomen can help the doctor establish how effectively your digestive system is operating.
Your doctor may prescribe more diagnostic tests based on your exam and the existence of other signs and symptoms, such as weight loss, blood in your stool, or diarrhoea.
How is Bloating Treated?
Symptoms of abdominal bloating can be prevented by simple lifestyle and dietary changes.
Swallowing too much air can be avoided by:
- Limiting consumption of carbonated drinks
- Avoiding dry beans, lentils and cabbage
- Slow chewing of food
Probiotics can increase the population of healthy bacteria in the stomach, which can help digest food properly.
If dietary changes do not work out in relieving the symptoms, medications such as antibiotics, antispasmodics, and antidepressants may be required, depending on the situation and the underlying cause.
