What is a bloated belly?
Abdominal distension, or “bloated belly,” is an increase in the volume of the abdomen perceived subjectively or measured objectively. It can be:
- functional (without organic lesion): linked to an accumulation of gas or intestinal hypersensitivity, as in functional dyspepsia (which manifests itself by pain in the pit of the stomach and the sensation of poor digestion) or IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome);
- organic: due to ascites (accumulation of fluid, often in cirrhosis) or intestinal obstruction.
The feeling of a swollen stomach includes, in more medical terms:
- Meteorism: This is a mixture of bloating and flatulence.
- Flatulence: This is the production and emission of intestinal gas.
- Intestinal bloating: This is the sensation of a swollen stomach and tightness that can result from the accumulation of gas in the intestine.
Good to know : Flatulence, bloating and bloating can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome if they occur regularly .
Causes of a swollen belly
Several causes and factors can cause the feeling of a bloated stomach:
- accumulation of intestinal gas: certain foods, such as cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli), legumes, and carbonated drinks, can cause excessive gas production and affect digestion;
- constipation: Slow intestinal transit can lead to a buildup of fecal matter, causing abdominal distension;
- Aerophagia: swallowing air when eating too quickly or talking while eating can lead to bloating or a full stomach.
- Food intolerances: Lactose or gluten can cause digestive reactions in some people and lead to bloating.
- excessive consumption of certain artificial sweeteners ;
- Taking certain medications (certain laxatives, for example);
- Water retention: Factors such as excessive salt consumption, hormonal imbalances, kidney problems, or circulatory disorders can contribute to water retention. This, in turn, can cause symptoms such as abdominal bloating;
- premenstrual syndrome ;
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This disease, considered a functional digestive disorder, can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and bowel problems.
- Pregnancy (especially in the 3rd trimester ).
These causes, generally benign, are nevertheless likely to be the source of significant abdominal pain. Sometimes, a simple imbalance in the intestinal flora can disrupt the digestive system and cause bloating and a swollen stomach. Other times, a symptom such as constipation or intestinal obstruction disrupts intestinal transit and explains this feeling of a bloated stomach.
What can you do to relieve a swollen stomach?
To reduce intestinal gas and get a flat stomach, there are a few tips you can follow daily.
Adapt your diet
- Avoid fermentable foods: reduce consumption of cabbage, beans, onions, and dairy products if you are intolerant.
- Favor foods that are easy to digest: opt for cooked vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins;
- Eat slowly: Take the time to chew thoroughly to aid digestion and reduce air intake. This prevents gas from forming during digestion, which will then enter the stomach.
Practice regular physical activity.
Regular moderate exercise can help relieve stomach aches. Physical exercise stimulates intestinal transit and helps expel gas. Exercise improves blood flow to the intestinal muscles. A simple walk after meals can be beneficial.
Opt for medication
The doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve stomach pain and bloating, such as:
- activated charcoal-based medicines;
- digestive dressings or antispasmodics.
Probiotics may also be prescribed. They help restore intestinal flora and can also help reduce intestinal gas production.
Other tips
- Stress management: Stress can disrupt the digestive system and promote bloating. Relaxation techniques can help.
- Abdominal massage: This can be beneficial for improving bowel movements. This is a self-massage that should be performed for a few minutes. Your hands should be placed flat on your stomach, with your palms at navel level.
The doctor may also prescribe medications (based on activated charcoal, digestive dressings, or antispasmodics) to relieve stomach aches and bloating. Probiotics may also be prescribed. They help restore intestinal flora and can also help reduce intestinal gas production and relieve bloating in some people.
Good to know : the context in which we find ourselves during meals is just as important as what we eat. Indeed, eating in a hurry and without paying attention to what we eat promotes digestive problems. So, avoid quick lunch breaks in front of the computer as much as possible. At mealtimes, give yourself a real break and avoid doing other things at the same time (television, phone, etc.), eat seated and without rushing! If you are relaxed, your digestive system will be too and will be able to better assimilate nutrients.
H2 Swollen belly and cancer
A swollen or bloated stomach can sometimes be a sign of cancer. Liver cancer, for example, can cause a swollen upper stomach, along with other symptoms such as pain, loss of appetite, etc. A swollen or bloated stomach can also indicate ovarian cancer, colon cancer, etc.
Good to know : An unpleasant feeling of a swollen stomach doesn’t necessarily mean that a more serious condition is present. However, the presence of a swollen stomach, gas, or constipation should be mentioned to your doctor, especially when other conditions are associated.
When should you consult a healthcare professional?
It is important to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying illness if the bloating is:
- persistent
- are accompanied by severe pain, unexplained weight loss, or blood in the stool ;
- followed by fever, diarrhea, vomiting, malaise, etc.
How to prevent bloating in everyday life?
- Hydration: Drink enough water throughout the day to facilitate intestinal transit.
- Avoid tight clothing: it can compress the abdomen and worsen the feeling of bloating.
- Avoid chewing gum and carbonated drinks: they promote air ingestion and gas production.
Generally speaking, it is best to follow the recommendations of the National Nutrition and Health Program (PNNS), which recommends, for general good health and, in particular, for good digestion:
- to have a balanced diet that is neither too fatty, too sweet, nor too salty;
- increase fruits, vegetables, legumes, and physical activity (at least 30 minutes per day);
- to move towards whole starchy foods, fish, rapeseed, nut and olive oil, dairy products (milk, yogurts, cottage cheese, and cheese); To
- o reduce alcohol, sugary drinks and products, ultra-processed products, salty products and salt, cold cuts, meat (pork, beef, veal, mutton, lamb, offal), and time spent sitting.
Following these recommendations is a great place to start if you’re unsure where to begin to improve your digestion.