What should you know about the reason behind stomach bloating?

Swallowing air while eating quickly, chewing gum or drinking fizzy beverages can make the abdomen feel full. Irritable Bowel Syndrome may combine bloating with abdominal pain and changes in bowel habit. Lactose Intolerance or another Food Intolerance can cause symptoms after particular foods. Coeliac Disease may cause bloating with diarrhoea, tiredness or weight change. Giardiasis can follow contaminated food or water and may cause prolonged diarrhoea. Helicobacter Pylori Infection can be associated with upper abdominal discomfort, nausea or indigestion. These patterns overlap, so timing and accompanying symptoms matter.

Keep a brief record of meals, bowel movements, symptoms and any menstrual timing. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, drink water and limit fizzy drinks if they worsen symptoms. Regular gentle movement can support bowel activity. Avoid cutting out many foods without guidance; a Nutrition Counselling appointment can help create a balanced plan. Do not begin a gluten-free diet before discussing testing for Coeliac Disease, because this can affect the results.

Arrange an assessment for bloating that is persistent, repeatedly returning, or accompanied by unintentional weight loss, ongoing vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, blood in the stool, fever or reduced appetite. Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly increasing abdominal pain, a hard swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, fainting, or signs of dehydration. New symptoms that steadily change also deserve review.

Ask whether your pattern fits constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome or a food-related problem; whether blood or stool tests are needed; and how to investigate symptoms without unnecessary food restriction.