Feeling bloated can be related to a variety of reasons, but feeling heavy is not the same as looking bloated. Digestive specialist Dr. Mearin answers some of the most frequently asked questions.
1. What is known as abdominal bloating?
When we talk about abdominal bloating, we refer to two things:
- A feeling of “being bloated”, which would be a symptom similar to heaviness or fullness.
- Increase of the abdominal perimeter, “looking bloated”.
In fact, only in half of the patients who feel bloated, a true abdominal distension is verified. In any case, it is important to distinguish it from swelling. The abdomen is swollen or distended, but not inflamed.
2. Causes of abdominal bloating
There are many causes of abdominal bloating. It is often related to bad eating habits (eating too fast or chewing too little), breathing through the mouth or smoking. Excessive consumption of fiber, especially legumes, may also be the cause. On other occasions it is due to the malabsorption of some sugar, especially lactose, fructose or sorbitol. Furthermore, in certain cases celiac disease must be ruled out.
On the other hand, abdominal swelling also depends on the containment capacity of the abdominal musculature. The abdominal musculature is fundamental in the containment of abdominal volume: when it relaxes or when its disposition changes, anterior protrusion of the abdomen occurs. Thus, it has been shown that the descent of the diaphragm, accompanied by relaxation of the anterior abdominal and transversus abdominis muscles, is a cause of abdominal swelling.
It is common for abdominal bloating to increase throughout the day: being lower first thing in the morning and higher at the end of the day. This may be because gas accumulates progressively as the day goes by and the abdominal muscles lose strength. Anxiety is an important aggravating factor in this problem.
3. Is abdominal bloating more common in men or women?
Abdominal bloating is more common in women, due to hormonal factors. In fact, many women feel more bloated during the menstrual period. It can occur at any age, but is most common between the ages of 30 and 50.
4. How many people suffer from abdominal bloating?
Scientific evidence shows that up to 20% of people suffer from abdominal bloating and 10% from abdominal distension. In some cases, the condition is so significant that it causes a lot of discomfort and disrupts the normal life of patients.
5. Consequences of abdominal bloating
Abdominal bloating is not a serious problem but it can be very annoying. It disrupts quality of life and work and social activities. Many patients comment: “I don’t feel comfortable to go out”; “I can’t wear these clothes”; “As soon as I eat something I swell up”; “I feel heavy”.
6. Tips for treating abdominal bloating
The solution depends on what the cause is and, in many cases, there are multiple causes. It is important to eat slowly and chew well, not to smoke, not to consume excessive fiber-rich foods, and to avoid and treat anxiety.
In cases of lactose, fructose, sorbitol or gluten malabsorption (celiac disease) an appropriate diet should be followed.
7. Is a pharmacological treatment necessary for abdominal bloating?
In many cases bloating and abdominal distension are solved with the measures indicated above, but in others it is necessary to treat them with medication. The most commonly used medications are antifoaming agents, to reduce gas; prokinetics, to improve the movements of the digestive tract, and some antibiotics that act only in the intestine, with the intention of reducing the bacteria that produce gas through the fermentation of food.
8. Is there any treatment to rehabilitate the musculature in cases of abdominal bloating that do not improve with other treatments?
The usefulness of thoracic-abdominal rehabilitation has recently been proven in various scientific investigations. This consists of learning a series of mechanisms and exercises in order to control the thoracic, abdominal and diaphragmatic musculature. Its purpose is twofold: on the one hand, to avoid swallowing air and, on the other hand, to reduce diaphragmatic and abdominal wall relaxation.
9. What should I do if I have abdominal swelling?
If you suffer from abdominal swelling, it is advisable to follow the recommendations described above and, if it does not improve, to see a Digestive System specialist, an expert in functional digestive disorders.