The Complete Guide to Why My Stomach Is HARD – 7 Things to Know

How is a bloated stomach defined?

A bloated stomach is first and foremost an abdominal sensation of tightness, pressure, or fullness. It is not always associated with a clearly dilated (swollen) abdomen.

The sensation might range from mildly unpleasant to excruciatingly agonizing. It normally resolves on its own after a while, but for some, it becomes a recurring issue.

Constipation and hormonal swings can both contribute to cyclical bloating. If your bloated stomach persists, you should seek medical attention to ascertain the source.

What is causing my stomach to be bloated?

Excess intestinal gas is the most prevalent cause of stomach pain and bloating. If you have to bloat after eating, this could be a sign of a digestive problem.

It could be as easy as eating too much too quickly, or you could have a food intolerance or another illness that results in the accumulation of gas and stomach contents.

Another typical reason for temporary bloating is your menstrual cycle. A bloated stomach might occasionally be a sign of a more serious medical problem.

How prevalent is abdominal bloating?

Between 10% and 25% of otherwise healthy individuals experience occasional stomach bloating. Up to 75% of individuals report having moderate to severe symptoms.

Approximately 10% report having it on a regular basis. It may be as high as 90% among individuals diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Bloating occurs in up to 75% of women prior to and during their period. Only 50% of those who have bloating also have an enlarged abdomen.

What causes stomach bloating?

Gas

While gas is a typical consequence of digestion, excessive intestinal gas indicates that something is wrong with your digestion.

While gasses can be ingested by swallowing air or consuming carbonated beverages, they are primarily expelled through belching before reaching your intestines.

Gases are mostly created in the intestines by gut bacteria when they digest carbohydrates, a process termed fermentation.

If there is excessive fermentation, it is because not enough carbohydrates were taken naturally earlier in the digestive process, prior to reaching those gut bacteria. This could be for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you simply consumed too much food too quickly for adequate digestion.

Alternatively, you could be suffering from a specific dietary intolerance or gastrointestinal (GI) condition. Several possible causes include the following:

Malabsorption of carbohydrates: Numerous people have difficulty digesting specific carbs (sugars). Lactose, fructose, and the carbohydrates found in wheat and beans are all prominent contributors.

You may have an intolerance, or your body may simply struggle more with tougher carbs. A nutritionist or gastroenterologist can assist you in isolating your food sensitivities.

Overgrowth of microorganisms in the small intestine (SIBO):

This arises as a result of colonic bacteria overflowing into the small intestine. Additionally, an overpopulation of these bacteria can outnumber the microorganisms that are supposed to balance them.

Certain bacteria actually absorb the gasses produced by others, but an imbalance between the number of one type and the number of another type can upset this equilibrium.

Digestive problems that are functional: IBS and functional dyspepsia are identified when your body’s digestion becomes more difficult for unknown causes.

Symptoms frequently include gas and bloating following meals. Keep a lookout for typical warning signs such as diarrhea or constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever, bleeding, anemia, or unexpected weight loss.

Hypersensitivity of the viscera:

Certain individuals feel gassy and bloated even though their gas volume is normal. This illness frequently co-occurs with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other disorders involving the gut-brain neuronal connections.

Certain individuals may even acquire muscle hypertrophy in order to increase the amount of space available in the abdominal cavity for gas (abdominophrenic dyssynergia).

Even when the actual volume of gas is normal, their abdominal muscles relax and protrude outward in the presence of gas.

Digestive Substances

These may be solids, liquids, or gases. Digestive contents can accumulate in the digestive system if there is a blockage or restriction in the digestive tract, or if the muscles that move digestive contents forward are affected in some way.

Any accumulation of digestive materials along the digestive tract reduces the amount of space available for typical levels of gas to pass through.

Additionally, it leaves less room in your abdomen for other things, such as circulatory fluids and fat, making everything seem tighter. Among the possible causes of build-up are the following:

Constipation:

You may experience constipation on a temporary basis as a result of food or lifestyle variables, or you may experience persistent constipation as a result of an underlying problem.

Due to backed-up waste in the colon, recently digested food remains in the intestines longer, waiting to descend. Everything grows to accommodate the additional volume, resulting in bloat.

Obstacles to the bowel:

When backed-up excrement is not impeding your bowels, it may be a sign of something more serious.

Tumors, scar tissue, strictures, stenosis, or hernias can obstruct both the big and small intestine. Inflammatory illnesses such as Crohn’s disease and diverticulosis can cause damage to specific sections of the small bowel, forming strictures that restrict the flow of digestive materials.

Constipation can be caused by motility issues, or they can simply inhibit the passage of food through your digestive tract.

These are typically diseases of the muscles and nerves that detect the digestive tract’s contents. Examples include intestinal pseudo-obstruction, which mimics the effects of an obstruction when none exists, gastroparesis, a disorder in which the stomach muscles are partially paralyzed, and pelvic floor dysfunction.

Weight gain in the recent past: Weight accumulated in the last year or so typically goes to the stomach first. If you’ve gained 10 pounds or more, this will almost certainly have an effect on your abdomen volume.

This implies that there is less space for typical digestive processes, and even a normal meal may cause you to feel unusually bloated during digestion.

Occasionally, the weight increase is accompanied by water retention, which can cause you to feel bloated due to excess fluid in your stomach and elsewhere.

How long does a bloated stomach last?

If the bloating is as a result of anything you ate or drank, or as a result of hormonal swings, it should subside within a few hours to days.

If you are constipated, it will remain constipated until you begin pooping. All of these things can be aided by water, exercise, and herbal teas. If the condition does not improve or worsens, get medical attention.

What causes bloating to subside?

What provides long-term relief will vary according to on the source of your suffering. You may require a professional diagnosis to determine the cause.

However, whether you’re seeking for home remedies to debloat your stomach today or to avoid bloating in the future, there are a few options.

Herbal teas such as peppermint, chamomile, ginger, turmeric, and fennel can assist with digestion and gas elimination. Dandelion tea may assist in reducing water retention.

Capsules of peppermint oil are a natural antispasmodic. That is, they aid in the relaxation of your gut muscles. This can assist you in passing blocked stool and gas, particularly if your issues are caused by a motility issue.

Antacids have been shown to alleviate digestive tract inflammation and aid in the passage of gas. Antacids frequently contain the active component simethicone, which facilitates gas passage by grouping together smaller gas bubbles. Simethicone is also accessible in its own right.

Magnesium supplements aid in the neutralization of stomach acid and the relaxation of intestinal muscular contractions. Magnesium has a natural laxative effect, which can be beneficial on occasion but can become habit-forming if used excessively.

Probiotics can be used to augment or rebalance the microorganisms in your gut. Some will aid in the first digestion of food, while others may actually aid in the absorption of excess gasses. It may take a few days or weeks of constant use to detect an improvement.

Psyllium husks are a popular fiber supplement that can aid with regular bowel movements. Always begin with little doses of fiber supplements and plenty of water. Additionally, over-the-counter laxatives may be used as needed.

Exercise that focuses on core body strengthening on a regular basis can assist fight stomach bloating.

When is it appropriate to be concerned about abdominal bloating?

Consult your healthcare practitioner if you have a bloated stomach and the following symptoms:

• Continues to deteriorate.
• This condition persists for more than a week.
• Is excruciatingly uncomfortable.
• Comes with illness-related symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or bleeding.

Conclusion

A bloated stomach is not a comfortable sensation. While this is a typical occurrence that is usually brief, you may grow tired of the cycle. Spending a little concentrated attention on the problem in order to determine the reason might be really beneficial.

Consider keeping a journal to track your symptoms and any triggers. Take note of dietary, hormonal, and stressors. When in doubt, take your notes to a specialist for expert advice.

Although the various causes that contribute to bloating can be complex and difficult to decipher, medical tests can aid in this process. As is always the case, seek medical attention if your symptoms are severe or prolonged.

Facts Check: