The feeling of a bloated belly can arise due to excess intestinal gas, being a common symptom when swallowing air while chewing, speaking or eating a diet rich in fats and sugar, and can also arise due to constipation.
Furthermore, a swollen belly can also be caused by gastrointestinal problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease or intestinal obstruction, for example, and be associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, abdominal pain, heartburn or the presence of blood in the stool.
It is important to consult a gastroenterologist when the feeling of a bloated belly becomes constant, worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms, so that the cause can be identified and the most appropriate treatment can be started.
Causes of bloated belly
The main causes of a bloated belly include:
1. Excess gas
It is the most common cause and generally occurs due to situations such as a diet rich in fat, fried foods or sweets. The consumption of very spicy foods, with excessive seasonings, are also some of the frequent causes of a swollen belly, as they stimulate the formation of intestinal gas, which tends to dilate the lower abdominal region.
What to do: eating slowly, not swallowing air when eating and drinking anise tea are some natural and simple options to calm gas production, relieving symptoms quickly. You can also use medications, such as Luftal. See other natural ways to combat intestinal gas.
Don’t ignore your symptoms!
2. Constipation
Constipation can be related to low fiber consumption, little physical activity and little water intake, and can affect people of all ages. It is more common in sedentary people and those who are bedridden.
In addition to belly swelling, constipation is also accompanied by difficulty defecating and a feeling of gas trapped in the belly, for example.
What to do: consume foods rich in fiber, as they favor the formation of fecal cake, reducing constipation and the gases associated with it. Good examples are oats, muesli, wheat bran, whole foods, fruits and vegetables, raw or cooked in salted water.
In addition, you can also drink a glass of natural yogurt mixed with 1/2 papaya daily. This recipe has no contraindications and can be used by people of all ages. See other natural ways to combat constipation.
3. Excess weight
Sometimes, the belly is not only swollen but there is an accumulation of fat in this region and in this case it is necessary to make lifestyle changes and thus lose weight and burn fat in the abdominal region to solve the problem.
What to do: exercise daily and eat less foods low in fat and sugar, in addition to nutritional and medical monitoring to reduce weight.
4. Menstruation
It is very common for women to complain about having a swollen belly during PMS and menstruation. This occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal area at this stage, which tends to disappear naturally with the end of menstruation.
What to do: You should consult a nutritionist, who can adjust the diet, thus reducing the effect of this bloating.
5. Pregnancy
When your belly starts to swell from the navel down and your period is a few days late, this could be a sign of pregnancy.
It is normal for the belly to begin to become more prominent below the navel in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and, as time passes, it grows in a more uniform shape until it reaches close to the breasts.
What to do: If a woman suspects she is pregnant, she can take a pharmacy pregnancy test or a beta-HCG blood test, in addition to avoiding taking teas or medications on her own. If the test is positive, you should make an appointment with the obstetrician to begin prenatal care and use of supplements and vitamins to ensure a healthy pregnancy. See how prenatal care is done.
6. Ascites
Ascites is a medical condition where fluid accumulates in the abdominal region, mainly due to liver problems, such as liver cirrhosis, for example. The belly becomes swollen not only due to the accumulation of fluids, but also because organs such as the liver and spleen have altered functions.
What to do: if ascites is suspected, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to assess the cause of the problem and initiate the most appropriate treatment. Find out more about ascites and how it is treated.
7. Intestinal obstruction
Intestinal obstruction is an emergency situation that occurs when feces cannot pass through the intestine due to interference in their path, resulting in symptoms such as difficulty evacuating or eliminating gas, bloating, nausea or abdominal pain.
What to do: Treatment for intestinal obstruction varies according to the location and severity of the symptoms, and should always be carried out in the hospital, as surgery may be necessary. Understand better when obstruction occurs and how it is treated.
8. Gastrointestinal problems
A bloated belly can also be caused by gastrointestinal problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, gastroesophageal reflux or peptic ulcers, for example, which can lead to an increase in the amount of gas in the gastrointestinal system.
In addition, other symptoms may be present, such as heartburn or a constant burning sensation, abdominal pain, nausea, or the presence of blood in the stool, for example.
What to do: You should consult a gastroenterologist to diagnose the gastrointestinal problem and begin the most appropriate treatment according to its cause, and the use of gastric protective medications, such as omeprazole or esomeprazole, antibiotics, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, for example, may be recommended.
9. Food intolerance
Food intolerance is a difficulty in digesting certain foods such as milk, bread, pasta, or food additives, such as dyes or preservatives, for example, causing bloating in the belly, excess gas, diarrhea, nausea or abdominal cramps.
What to do: It is important to try to identify the food that caused the intolerance and consult a gastroenterologist to confirm the diagnosis, and follow an individual diet, guided by the nutritionist.
When to go to the doctor
It is important to see a doctor in the following situations:
- Worsening of bloating in the belly;
- Severe abdominal pain;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Intense diarrhea;
- Blood in the stool;
- Heartburn or burning sensation in the stomach;
- Chronic constipation;
- Fever;
- Difficulty eating or drinking.
In addition, a doctor should be consulted if the person has difficulty eating or drinking for more than 6 to 8 hours, as this can cause dehydration, especially in cases of diarrhea or severe vomiting. Know how to identify the symptoms of dehydration.
