What should you know about sudden stomach bloating causes?

Bloating can follow a large meal, swallowed air, constipation or a change in gut bacteria. Food Intolerance and Lactose Intolerance may cause swelling, cramps, wind or loose stools after particular foods. Irritable Bowel Syndrome can combine bloating with abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Coeliac Disease may cause ongoing digestive symptoms after gluten exposure. Giardiasis can lead to bloating and diarrhoea after contaminated water or food. Helicobacter Pylori Infection is associated with upper abdominal discomfort, nausea or indigestion. The symptom pattern and timing matter more than the sensation alone.

Eat slowly, take a gentle walk if comfortable, and choose smaller meals for the rest of the day. Drink fluids and avoid fizzy drinks, chewing gum and foods that have clearly triggered symptoms before. Do not start a restrictive diet or remove gluten before discussing testing with a clinician, because this can affect evaluation for Coeliac Disease. Keep a brief record of meals, bowel movements, pain, vomiting and swelling. Nutrition Counselling can help you make changes without missing important nutrients if bloating keeps recurring.

Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a hard swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, fainting, breathing difficulty, or inability to pass stool or gas with increasing swelling. Arrange prompt medical review for persistent bloating, unexplained weight loss, fever, yellowing of the skin, or a new change in bowel habit. Ask for advice sooner if you are pregnant or have had abdominal surgery.

Could my meal pattern, medicines, constipation or an intolerance explain this? Should I be tested for infection, Coeliac Disease or another digestive condition? What symptoms should I record before a follow-up?