What is good for bloating?

Bloating is a feeling of fullness, pressure or visible swelling around the abdomen. It may follow swallowed air, fizzy drinks, constipation, a large meal or changes in gut movement. Most episodes settle, but recurring bloating can accompany food intolerance, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Coeliac Disease or other digestive problems. The symptom itself does not identify one cause.

Eat slowly, chew thoroughly and avoid talking while chewing if you swallow air. Choose smaller meals, drink water regularly and walk gently after eating. Keep a short diary of meals, bowel habits and symptoms rather than removing many foods at once. A clinician or Nutrition Counselling service can help test a focused approach safely. Avoid using restrictive diets or repeated laxatives without advice.

Arrange medical advice if bloating keeps returning, interferes with daily life, or comes with weight loss, persistent vomiting, ongoing diarrhoea, blood in the stool, fever or a lasting change in bowel habits. Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a hard swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting or inability to pass stool or gas.

Could constipation, Food Intolerance or Irritable Bowel Syndrome explain my pattern? Should I be assessed for Coeliac Disease or another digestive condition? Which food or symptom diary would be useful? Are any medicines or supplements contributing?