Bloated Stomach: 10 Hidden Causes

Bloated Stomach: 10 Hidden Causes

Ten possible causes of your bloated stomach:

1. Digestive Disorders

Your bloated stomach could occur as a result of various digestive disorders. People suffering from IBS, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis are more likely to experience gas, bloating, distension and other distressing symptoms.

According to some reports, 23-96% of people who suffer from IBS have bloating, 56% of those with chronic constipation and 50% of people with functional dyspepsia experience bloating as well.

2. Fluid Retention (Called Edema or Ascites)

Bodily fluids can build up around the body, especially near the abdomen or pelvis area. This can cause temporary weight gain and excess bloating. In a case of fluid retention, your jewelry will not fight like it used to.

This fluid retention can also indicate a serious underlying condition, including liver disease, an abdominal infection, or even cancer.

So, it is very important to check for other symptoms of hepatitis or liver failure, including pain in the abdomen, changes in the white color of your eyes, and yellowing of the skin.

Other symptoms of stomach cancer include nausea, indigestion, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, and blood in vomit.

3. Dehydration

After consuming a lot of salty foods or alcohol, you are more likely to experience a bloated stomach. When you are dehydrated, your body holds onto the water it does have. This causes bloating.

People who don’t drink enough water are more likely to experience constipation. So, make sure to limit the consumption of alcohol and salty foods and drink plenty of water.

4. Constipation

This is the most common reason when it comes to bloated stomach. It could indicate that stool is backed up in the intestines, which in turn leaves you with a gas, discomfort, and hard-feeling gut.

In a case of constipation, make sure to add more fiber into your diet. Also, it is very important to avoid a sedentary lifestyle and drink plenty of water.

5. Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Hidden food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities can cause a bloated stomach as well.

The most common triggers include foods that contain gluten, dairy products and carbohydrates called FODMAPs. To find out what is making you bloated, you should try an elimination diet.

6. SIBO

Your bloated stomach can be caused by bacterial growth. Large amounts of abnormal bacteria living in the digestive tract, especially in the bowel can cause small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO. Actually, some foods can cause SIBO symptoms, including FODMAPS.

7. Infection

An infection can also lead to bloating.  The elevation of white blood cell count triggers inflammation. Make sure to check for a redness, pain, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.

8. Bowel Obstruction

A severe stomach bloat may indicate a bowel obstruction. Other symptoms include vomiting, nausea, and constipation. A scar tissue or a tumor in the small intestine or colon can cause bowel obstruction.

This is very painful condition so in a case you suspect you may have a bowel obstruction, make sure to visit your doctor immediately because it can cause a ruptured bowel.

9. Hormonal Changes

PMS can cause many digestive problems, such as bloating. However, this is common, so you should not worry about. In some cases, women can experience water retention even for 2 weeks.

If you have fibroids, severe cramping, or irregular periods, you may have an underlying medical condition.

10. Cancer

In the majority of cases, this is not what causes bloating. Bloating is one sign of uterine or colon cancer. It is very important to consult your doctor if you can’t get rid of the bloat even after trying suggested remedies.

People who are experiencing bloating are recommended to check for other symptoms as well, including:

- Vomiting or nausea
- A Fever
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Skin rashes or hives
- Unintentional weight loss
- Watery eyes, itchy throat and other signs of allergic reaction
- Fatigue
- Trouble going to the bathroom
- Pain around your lymph nodes, including in your groin, throat or armpits
- Blood in your urine or stool
- Irregular periods
- Hemorrhoids
- Brain fog and trouble concentrating