Bloating and nausea

Gas, constipation, eating quickly, reflux or a stomach bug can distend the abdomen and trigger nausea. Food Intolerance, including Lactose Intolerance, may cause symptoms after a particular food. Coeliac Disease can produce ongoing digestive symptoms and deserves a planned review rather than self-diagnosis. Helicobacter Pylori Infection may irritate the stomach. Irritable Bowel Syndrome can cause bloating with changing bowel habits, often influenced by stress or meals. The same symptom pattern can have different causes.

Take small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink and eat modest portions when able. Choose plain foods temporarily, chew slowly, and avoid alcohol, very fatty meals and any known trigger. Note when nausea starts, what you ate, bowel changes and medicines or supplements. Do not begin a restrictive diet or remove gluten before discussing testing for Coeliac Disease. Nutrition Counselling can help identify a balanced approach when food triggers are unclear.

Get urgent help for severe or localised abdominal pain, a rigid or rapidly enlarging abdomen, repeated vomiting, green or bloody vomit, black or bloody stools, fainting, confusion, fever with marked weakness, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange a clinician visit for recurring symptoms, ongoing nausea, reduced intake, dehydration, or unexplained weight loss.

Ask whether the timing suggests a food trigger, infection, reflux or bowel disorder. Should you keep eating normally before testing? Which medicines may worsen nausea? What hydration plan and warning signs apply to you?