Bloating: The Most Common Causes and How to Fix It
Bloating is one of the most common digestive complaints: a feeling of fullness, a tight abdomen, wind and belching. Occasional bloating after a large meal is normal and harmless. But if it occurs frequently, lasts for days or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is worth identifying the cause, because most causes can be resolved successfully. In this article we go through the most common causes of bloating, what you can change yourself and when it is time to see a gastroenterologist.
The most common causes of bloating
- Eating quickly and fizzy drinks: swallowing air with your food and bubbles of gas expand the bowel and create a feeling of bloating.
- Foods that ferment: beans, cabbage, onion, broccoli, fresh dough and larger quantities of fruit produce more gas in sensitive people.
- Lactose or gluten intolerance: bloating after milk, cheese, bread or pasta is a typical sign; it is confirmed by targeted tests and a trial elimination under medical supervision.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): bloating accompanied by cramps and changes in the stool (constipation, diarrhoea or alternating between the two), often made worse by stress.
- Gastritis and Helicobacter pylori: alongside bloating there is pain or burning in the stomach, nausea and belching; the bacterium is identified by a test and treated successfully.
- Constipation: less frequent bowel movements in themselves create a feeling of bloating and fullness.
- Hormonal changes: in women, bloating is common before a period and during perimenopause.
What can you do yourself?
The first step is simple: keep a food diary for 1 to 2 weeks and note down which meals are followed by bloating. Eat more slowly and in smaller portions, cut down on fizzy drinks and chewing gum, and take a walk after meals. If you suspect dairy products or gluten, do not cut out whole food groups on your own over the long term, as this can mask the true diagnosis: talk to your doctor about testing.
When is bloating not harmless?
See a doctor without delay if the bloating is accompanied by any of the following signs:
- sudden weight loss without dieting
- blood in the stool or black stools
- anaemia (low haemoglobin or ferritin in your test results)
- pain that wakes you at night or persistent vomiting
- a change in bowel habit, particularly after the age of 45
- bloating that persists for more than 2 to 3 weeks
These signs do not necessarily mean serious illness, but they do require an examination and targeted diagnostic work-up.
What does an appointment with a gastroenterologist involve?
At Miren Medic Polyclinic the gastroenterology consultation is carried out by Assist. Prof. Dr Stanko Petrović. The consultation begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and diet, followed where necessary by targeted tests: laboratory analyses (full blood count, ferritin, liver function tests, inflammatory markers), an abdominal ultrasound and a test for Helicobacter pylori. On the basis of the findings you receive a clear plan: changes to your diet, treatment or further diagnostic work-up.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Gastroenterology consultation (Assist. Prof. Dr Stanko Petrović) | 14.000 RSD |
| Abdominal ultrasound | 6.000 RSD |
| General practitioner consultation | 4.000 RSD |
Frequently asked questions
What helps fastest with bloating?
A short walk after a meal, a warm drink such as peppermint or fennel tea and avoiding fizzy drinks usually bring quick relief. If bloating keeps recurring, it is more important to identify the cause than to suppress the symptom.
Is bloating a sign of something serious?
Usually not: bloating is generally caused by diet, intolerances or irritable bowel. Even so, if it is accompanied by weight loss, blood in the stool, anaemia or night-time pain, an examination should be arranged as soon as possible.
Which tests are done for bloating?
Most often a full blood count and ferritin, liver function tests, inflammatory markers, a test for Helicobacter pylori and an abdominal ultrasound. The gastroenterologist selects the tests according to your symptoms.
Which foods most often cause bloating?
Beans and pulses, cabbage, onion, fizzy drinks, larger quantities of dairy products in cases of lactose intolerance, and bread and pasta in cases of gluten sensitivity. A food diary will help you identify your own triggers.
Resolve bloating: book an appointment
You do not have to guess what is troubling you. Book an appointment with a gastroenterologist by phone on +381 11 6359 130 or online and you will get a clear answer and a plan.
