Abdominal Bloating Treatment

An abnormal swelling in the abdominal area may be caused by bloating. A full or tight abdomen is a symptom of this condition. There are many causes of bloating, hence, treatment varies according to the cause. Before we turn towards its, let us see what are the causes of bloating of the stomach.

Normally, intestinal gas causes bloating, leading to discomfort and pain. Bloating and pain is usually localized to the pelvic area. However, if a person has a chronic problem of flatulence, he can experience pain in the chest and sides also.

Some of the common causes of bloating are:

• Premenstrual Syndrome: Women belonging to the menstruating age group often suffer from bloating before the onset of their menstrual cycle. It may also be known as one of the indicators of premenstrual syndrome.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The next common cause is irritable bowel syndrome.
• Constipation: Constipation is the cause of bloating in a number of people. Reduced number of bowel movements cause constipation, which in turn causes bloating.

• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption also causes flatulence and accompanying bloating.
• Excessive Salt Intake: Excessive intake of salt leads to water retention which causes bloating.
• Less Protein Consumption: Very few people are aware of the fact that less consumption of protein can also cause bloating in the stomach.

• Lactose Intolerance: A number of people around the world are lactose intolerant. Consumption of lactose gives rise to flatulence and bloating in such people.
• Food Allergy: If a person is allergic to any food item, it can cause bloating in them.

• Flatulence or Gas and Indigestion: Flatulence is one of the most common causes of bloating.
• Partial Bowel Obstruction: Blockage in any part of the intestine will make it difficult for food to pass through, leading to bloating.

There are some food items which are said to cause gas and flatulence. Avoiding these food items will help in getting rid of gas and flatulence. These food items may not affect every one in a similar way.

Here is a list of 'to be avoided' food items:

• Cauliflowers
• Cabbages
• Broccoli
• Potatoes
• Corn
• Asparagus
• Wheat
• Beans and Legumes

People that are lactose intolerant need to avoid food items that contain milk like ice creams, cheese, etc. Although this not always a practical option, you can opt for lactose free food whenever possible.

A hot bath or a heating pad may help in relieving you of discomfort. A brisk walk or some form of exercise can help in relieving gas. Even if a walk or exercise is not able to rid you of the gas, you can try lying on your left side with your legs pulled up to your chest. This will create tension on the abdomen and relieve you of gas and its discomfort as well.

If bloating is caused by irritable bowel syndrome, the use of the herb 'fennel' can be useful. Fennel tea is said to work wonders on both bloating as well as gas. There are anti-gas as well as antispasmodic properties in fennel. One other remedy to treat irritable bowel syndrome is to increase the consumption of soluble fiber.

Husk, oatmeal, bran, etc. are some of the options that can be of use. Carbonated drinks are also the culprits when it comes to irritable bowel syndrome. Therefore, people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome need to eliminate carbonated drinks from their diet.

Many people are unaware that chewing gum causes a lot of air to be swallowed. Hence, if a person is susceptible to bloating, he should decrease his habit of chewing gum. Artificial sweeteners also cause bloating, therefore, their use should be restricted to a bare minimum.

If you suffer from bloating, it is advisable to divide three big meals into six small meals. At the same time, it is important to eat your meals at a slower pace. The better you chew, the easier it becomes for digestion and this reduces the chances of bloating.

The best treatment is to make the necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle. Regular exercise helps in keeping flatulence and constipation at its lowest. Make sure you consume sufficient amounts of water everyday. In case bloating becomes a regular feature, you may need to go to your healthcare professional for treatment.