What Causes Abdominal Bloating?
Abdominal bloating is a condition that typically occurs due to a build up of air or gas in the gastrointestinal tract. There are many factors that can contribute to abdominal bloating in patients including digestive disorders or the food that they have consumed triggering an allergic reaction or intolerance. Experts find that abdominal bloating is a common symptom of most digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and IBS.
Abdominal bloating can be caused by eating too much salty food, consuming alcohol at access, or high intake of caffeine that can lead to dehydration and bloat. The condition can also be caused by an imbalance of bacteria within the intestinal tract caused by SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) which occurs when a patient has higher than normal levels of bacteria living within their bowel. SIBO can be a side effect of certain antibiotics, poor digestion, or inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Other possible causes for abdominal bloating include hormonal changes, bowel obstructions, and other, less common, digestive disorders.
When Should I See a Doctor About Abdominal Bloating?
Experts acknowledge that, most of the time, abdominal bloating is not serious and will naturally dissipate on its own. If the bloating is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, constipation, diarrhea, nauseam vomiting, blood in urine, allergic reaction signs, skin rashes, lymph node pain, fatigue, or trouble concentrating, however, you should quickly make an appointment with the physicians at Gastroenterology of Westchester to receive an assessment. They will run tests to identify the condition that is the root cause of the bloating and provide treatment accordingly.
How Does a Doctor Treat Abdominal Bloating?
Doctors can treat abdominal bloating in a variety of ways. For example, they may suggest any of a variety of treatments that can reduce the bloating and treat its underlying cause. Patients should note that a medical professional may suggest changes in their diet to cut out known food triggers while introducing foods that promote proper gut health such as fiber, probiotics, and water. In cases where digestive disorders are suspected, your doctor will order additional tests that identify the condition so that they can prescribe a treatment that addresses symptoms.
