Stomach ache, gas and bloating: what to know

Bloating is a feeling of fullness or visible swelling, while gas may cause pressure, belching or passing wind. Symptoms can follow eating quickly, fizzy drinks, constipation, or foods that ferment in the bowel. Recurrent patterns may occur with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Food Intolerance or Lactose Intolerance. Coeliac Disease and Giardiasis can also affect digestion, and Helicobacter Pylori Infection may contribute to upper abdominal discomfort.

Keep meals regular and eat slowly. Sip water, reduce fizzy drinks, and notice whether a particular food, portion size or eating pattern precedes symptoms. Gentle walking can help movement of gas. Do not remove several food groups without advice; a clinician or Nutrition Counselling service can help you test changes safely and keep meals balanced.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms keep returning, interfere with sleep or daily activities, or come with ongoing diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, fever, weight change or blood in the stool. Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, a hard swollen abdomen, fainting, repeated vomiting or inability to pass stool or gas.

Ask what causes fit the timing of your symptoms, whether you need tests, and which food or medicine changes are appropriate. Bring a brief diary of meals, bowel habits, pain location and symptom duration.