Understanding Medical Issues

Bloating Problems Are Mostly Diet-Related But Consult A Gastroenterologist When Your Symptoms Are Nagging

Gas, and subsequent bloating symptoms, are not an anomaly. Depending on the foods you're eating and whether food is undergoing proper processing in your digestive tract, it's not unusual if you develop stomach distress and ultimate bloating. Bloating symptoms may overlap with other symptoms too. So, it's important for you to consult with a gastroenterologist, more commonly referred to as a GI doctor, to determine the cause of your bloating problems.

Why You Develop Bloating

Any number of conditions may cause you to bloat. Eating too fast and talking while eating sends excessive amounts of air into your digestive tract. Although gas and flatulence are classic symptoms of bloating, bloating could also be exhibiting symptoms of ovarian cancer or diverticulitis. So visiting a GI doctor and getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is the best way to handle this problem.

Bloating Is Not Usually An Alarming Condition

Since most of the times bloating is not a serious condition, your GI doctor will palpate your abdomen for signs of masses or swelling. Your stomach will be gently tapped to determine whether fluid is present. If an obstruction is found during the examination, your doctor will also listen to your bowel sounds.

Bloating Tests

You could undergo X-rays of your abdomen to determine if it is blocked in any way. To check for fluids, your GI doctor might use ultrasound testing to locate a mass. If you haven't obtained a colonoscopy procedure in a long time, you'll be given an appointment for this test to rule out colon cancer tumors. A barium enema, in some cases, is recommended to determine whether you have lactose intolerance. Blood tests are performed to search for lurking antibodies. The results of testing procedures determine the treatment you'll receive.

Constipation Promotes Bloating

Some doctors who care for patients with bloating problems do advise that bloating can be a side effect from your being constipated. So add more fiber to your diet, and make sure that you consume 30 grams a day of fiber in order to achieve a balanced diet. How often you exercise can help to prevent and even ease constipation, and on of the best forms of exercise is walking. Drinking quite a lot of water is recommended as well.

Foods Rich In Fibers

Include carrots, squash, brown rice, peas and berries in your diet. These foods are all rich in fiber. Eat a bowl of oatmeal and add berries to this food item for breakfast. If you have diabetes, specifically add frozen unsweetened berries to your oatmeal breakfast. Snack on sunflower seeds sometimes. A balanced diet prevents constipation. Preventing constipation allows all your food to pass easily through your digestive tract. You are less likely to develop bloating when your symptoms are simply related to how your food is processed through to your intestines.