8 Reasons Why Your Bloated Stomach Is A Major Concern

Apr 05, 2018

We all have the tendency to get a "food belly" after eating lots of carbs or overindulging in our favorite foods. Usually, your belly will go down shortly after eating or will disappear by the next day, which means that temporary bloating is usually not a cause for concern. 

However, when should you go to the doctor for a bloated belly? Here are eight possible reasons to consider to determine whether you may be suffering from a health issue that deserves immediate attention. 
 

IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, could be the reason for bloating if your swollen stomach comes and goes. If your stomach is hurting often, and you experience diarrhea, constipation or vomiting, these could be signs of IBS. While irritable bowel syndrome is a fairly common condition, there is currently no cure. 

When certain foods don't agree with your digestive system, there's a chance that you may develop irritable bowel syndrome. Many people who suffer from IBS have to remove certain foods from their diets, including cereals and gas-producing veggies like cabbage, broccoli, and oats. 
 

Gas can be very uncomfortable, and if it's released in the wrong setting, it can be embarrassing. If having a bowel movement doesn't solve the issue, it may be time to make some dietary changes. 

Foods like apples and beans have been known to cause gas, and it may also be a good idea to avoid prunes and cabbage. If you suffer from gas, chew your food thoroughly so that it will be easier to break down in your digestive tract. This will lessen the chances that you'll get gas at the end of a meal. If you find that it's painful or impossible to pass gas, see your doctor as soon as you can. 
 

It's common to have an irregular bowel movement from time to time. But, when you find that it's consistently difficult to have regular bowel movements, your stomach could become bloated. If you're not able to "go" for four days in a row, you should take steps to treat constipation. You could solve the problem by drinking more water or making changes to your diet to include more fiber. If this doesn't work, see your doctor. 
 

Diverticulitis is a disease that causes colon inflammation, which can lead to stomach bloating and abdominal pain. It is believed that not consuming enough fiber can lead to this condition, so eating more fiber-rich foods like oatmeal could help to alleviate the pain caused by diverticulitis. However, you should still consult your doctor to make sure that you are not suffering from an intestinal infection. 
 

A bloated stomach and pain in the abdominal area could be the result of an intolerance to gluten, which means that your body is not processing the nutrients in your food properly. If this sounds familiar, try eliminating gluten from your diet and observe how you feel. Of course, getting a second opinion from your doctor can be helpful as well. 
 

It is common for women to experience stomach bloating during the first trimester of pregnancy or during menstruation. Medical professionals say that women should work out more and stay hydrated during these times to prevent bloating and for bowel health. 
 

If you find that you're gaining weight rapidly, you'll probably notice that the excess fat is going straight to your stomach. Cardio exercise can help to alleviate this issue, and doing exercises that strengthen your muscles such as planking will help with muscle tone. 
 

Finally, stomach bloating could be a sign of cancer. A number of people have gone to the doctor complaining of stomach pain, only to find out that the severe discomfort was caused by a tumor. Bloating could be an indication of cancer of the stomach, ovaries, pancreas, colon or uterus. If you have a history of cancer or have been experiencing chronic stomach bloating, see your doctor immediately.
 

Stomach bloating is a serious matter that shouldn't go ignored. Make sure your friends and family know about these risks by passing this information their way :)