What should you know about constant lower stomach bloating?

Bloating is a feeling of fullness or visible swelling. Gas, constipation, eating quickly and food intolerance can contribute. Irritable Bowel Syndrome may combine bloating with abdominal discomfort and altered stools. Coeliac Disease, Lactose Intolerance, Giardiasis or Helicobacter Pylori Infection are other possible explanations, depending on symptoms, travel and food triggers. Bloating alone does not identify one cause.

Keep a short diary of meals, bowel movements, pain and swelling. Eat slowly, chew well, stay active and address constipation with advice from a clinician. Avoid removing many foods without guidance; Nutrition Counselling can help identify patterns while keeping meals balanced. Arrange an assessment if the problem continues or repeatedly returns.

Get urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening pain, a hard swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, black or bloody stools, fever, fainting or marked weakness. Prompt assessment is also sensible for persistent bloating with unintentional weight loss or a new bowel change.

Ask which tests fit your pattern, whether constipation or a food trigger is likely, and how to change your diet without missing essential nutrients.