What should you know about bloating in the evening?

A larger meal, fizzy drinks, eating quickly, constipation or swallowing air can make the abdomen feel fuller later in the day. Some people notice a pattern after milk products, wheat-containing foods or other individual triggers. Irritable Bowel Syndrome can present with bloating alongside abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel movements. Food Intolerance, Lactose Intolerance and Coeliac Disease are other possible explanations; a symptom does not identify its cause on its own.

Keep a brief diary of meals, drinks, bowel movements and the time bloating starts. Eat slowly, choose smaller portions, limit fizzy drinks and take a gentle walk after eating. Regular fluids and movement may help if constipation is contributing. Avoid removing several food groups without guidance; Nutrition Counselling can help you test patterns while keeping meals balanced.

Arrange a medical review if bloating keeps returning, is steadily worsening, or comes with ongoing diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, weight loss, blood in the stool or marked tiredness. Seek urgent help for severe or sudden abdominal pain, a swollen hard abdomen, repeated vomiting, fainting or difficulty breathing.

Ask whether your pattern suggests a food trigger, constipation or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and whether testing is appropriate. Bring your symptom diary and a list of medicines, supplements and recent travel.