Abdominal Bloating: When To Worry?
Abdominal bloating is common. Its consequences are not usually serious, but it does affect the quality of life in a notorious way. In fact, more than half of those who suffer from it alter their routine.
Now when to worry? There are as many interpretations of the severity of abdominal bloating as there are people who suffer from it. For some it is something temporary without importance and for others, it is a daily complication. In the following space we inform you in detail.
Prior knowledge of the annoyance
Abdominal bloating, abdominal distention or belly bloating are terms that are often used interchangeably. However, they do not mean the same thing.
Medicine distinguishes between swelling and distention. The first is the feeling that the person has, the subjective feeling. On the other hand, abdominal distention is the objective perception of the increase in the size of the abdomen that can be verified in a physical examination.
Likewise, it must be clarified that it is not obesity or accumulation of fatty tissue in the belly. Abdominal bloating affects overweight and thin people alike.
According to data published in 2013 by the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility , it is estimated that up to a third of the population has had or has the symptom. The most affected are women, to a greater extent than men.
Causes of abdominal bloating
As indicated by Dr. Edith Pérez de Arce, perhaps the most common cause of abdominal bloating is abundant and excess food. It is a benign and temporary cause, without major complications.
However, there are also other causes of varying severity :
- Flatulence: due to the accumulation of intestinal gases with difficulty in expelling them.
- Irritable bowel syndrome: those who suffer from this pathology suffer a decrease in the intestinal process.
- Fluid in the abdominal cavity: This is a serious cause and therefore must be treated immediately.
- Pregnancy: during pregnancy the intestinal transit process can also slow down, as well as increase gas production.
- Premenstrual syndrome: includes a set of symptoms that some women suffer before menstruation. Among them is abdominal bloating. Although it is not a serious clinical picture, it is quite annoying.
- Lactose intolerance: as the intestine is not able to digest lactose well, fermentation increases in the digestive tract.
When to worry?
Abdominal bloating is almost always a benign process. It lasts a few hours and is fixed without the person having to do anything in particular. But there are situations that hide a more serious process.
One of the measures to worry about is that the swelling persists. In benign cases, the discomfort should not exceed 24 hours. In life-threatening cases, persistence goes with increasing intensity.
And in chronic diseases (such as dyspepsia) an article published in 2014 by the Journal of Medical Sciences of Pinar del Rí explains that 12 weeks is taken as a limit measure.
These 12 weeks also apply to conditions such as celiac disease or malabsorption syndromes. Of course, these pictures are accompanied by diarrhea and major digestive changes.
Likewise, gastroenteritis also have accompanying symptoms that go hand in hand with the distension of the belly. In these cases there may be diarrhea, vomiting and even fever.
It is to be concerned if severe pain is associated; since it is necessary to rule out problems such as cirrhosis (late stage of liver healing), neoplasms (abnormal or tumor mass in the tissue), clots and thrombi.
In this sense, the antecedents and the presence of risk factors can guide the professional in the search for the diagnosis.
How to reduce abdominal bloating
Because the main cause of abdominal bloating is excessive, copious or poorly performed feeding ; There are certain steps that can be taken to reduce it. Among these, the American College of Gastroenterology advises the following:
- Increase fiber in the diet: fruits and vegetables improve intestinal transit due to their fiber component. In cases where constipation is the cause of abdominal bloating, it is advisable to increase consumption.
- Perform physical activity: sports practice improves the functioning of the digestive tract; helping to eliminate gases.
- Hydration: consuming the exact amount of water that the body requires each day maintains the hydration of the intestinal mucosa. It is also important that it is still water.
- Avoid gum: the movement of excessive chewing can produce gas in the digestive tract.
- Eat slowly: large meals eaten quickly also alter the movement of the digestive tract. It is recommended to eat slowly, chewing each bite well.
Make regular visits to monitor swelling
It is important to consult with a professional if doubts arise about the characteristics of abdominal swelling. In this way, it is not convenient to assume that it is something usual or normal.
If you have doubts because it seems that the symptom lasts longer than expected or is accompanied by other signs, make an appointment with your doctor. Meanwhile, you can apply the dietary measures that we have suggested to alleviate the sensation.
