What should you know about extreme stomach bloating?

Bloating is a sensation of fullness or visible abdominal enlargement. Gas, constipation, and swallowing air can trigger it. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Food Intolerance, or Lactose Intolerance may cause symptoms after particular foods. Coeliac Disease can affect digestion, while Giardiasis and Helicobacter Pylori Infection can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Timing, stool pattern, meals, pain, and associated symptoms help a clinician narrow the possibilities.

Eat slowly, take gentle walks, drink fluids, and keep a note of meals, bowel movements, pain, and abdominal size. Smaller meals may feel easier during a flare. Avoid making broad, restrictive diet changes without advice; Nutrition Counselling can help identify triggers while protecting adequate nourishment. A pharmacist can discuss short-term symptom relief and check it is compatible with your medicines.

Get urgent medical help for severe or steadily worsening pain, a rigid or very swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, blood in stool or vomit, faintness, or breathing difficulty. Arrange a clinical review if bloating keeps returning, interrupts sleep, follows a clear food pattern, or comes with diarrhoea, constipation, fever, or unplanned weight loss.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest testing for intolerance, coeliac disease, infection, or another digestive problem. Bring a brief food and symptom diary, list previous treatments, and explain changes in stool frequency, appearance, appetite, or weight.