What should you know about an over bloated stomach?

Bloating can feel like fullness, pressure or visible abdominal expansion. Swallowing air, fizzy drinks, eating quickly, constipation and changes in gut movement can all contribute. Some people notice symptoms after particular foods because of Food Intolerance or Lactose Intolerance.

Recurring bloating may occur with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Coeliac Disease, Giardiasis or Helicobacter Pylori Infection. The pattern matters: note whether symptoms follow meals, improve after passing stool or wind, or come with diarrhoea, weight change or vomiting.

Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, reduce fizzy drinks, and try smaller meals for a short period. Gentle walking can support bowel movement. Treat constipation with advice from a pharmacist or clinician, and keep a food-and-symptom diary rather than removing many foods at once.

Do not start a strict exclusion diet without guidance, especially if weight is falling or a nutritional deficiency is possible. Nutrition Counselling can help identify triggers while keeping meals balanced.

Seek emergency care for severe or sudden abdominal pain, a hard swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, inability to pass stool or wind, fainting, or blood in vomit or stool.

Arrange prompt medical review if bloating is new and persistent, steadily worsening, associated with weight loss, fever, ongoing diarrhoea, recurrent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or a change in bowel habit. These features need a proper examination rather than dietary trial and error.

Ask whether constipation, food triggers, medication effects or a digestive condition could explain the pattern, and whether tests are needed. Bring your symptom diary and list of medicines, supplements and recent travel.