What should you know about relief stomach bloating?

Bloating can feel like pressure, fullness or visible abdominal swelling. Gas may build up when you swallow air, digest certain carbohydrates, or have constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerance and lactose intolerance can also cause recurring bloating. Coeliac disease, giardiasis and Helicobacter pylori infection are other possible explanations in particular patterns of symptoms. Bloating by itself does not identify one condition.

Keep a short food and symptom diary, noting portions, drinks, bowel movements and timing rather than removing many foods at once. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and reduce fizzy drinks, gum and rushed meals if they increase swallowed air. Gentle walking may help gas and bowel movement. Drink regularly and add fibre gradually if constipation is present. Avoid restrictive elimination diets without guidance; nutrition counselling can help you test triggers while protecting adequate nourishment. A clinician can choose tests based on the pattern instead of guessing from a single meal.

Book an assessment when bloating is persistent, repeatedly returns, or comes with unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, ongoing diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, anaemia symptoms, or a change in bowel habit. Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening pain, a hard swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, or inability to pass stool or gas.

Ask whether constipation, IBS, lactose intolerance, coeliac disease or another cause fits your symptoms; whether testing is needed; and which foods can be adjusted safely. Bring your symptom diary and list of medicines or supplements.