🤰 Abdominal Bloating

Questions & Answers for Patients.

❓ What is abdominal bloating?

🤰 Bloating is when your belly feels full, tight, or swollen.
👖 Your pants may feel tight, and your stomach may look bigger.

❓ What causes bloating?

💨 Bloating is often caused by gas or slow digestion.
Common causes include:

• 🍽️ Eating too fast

• 🍔 Eating large meals

• 💨 Swallowing air

• 🚽 Constipation

• 😟 Stress or worry

• 🌾 Certain foods

🌱 Bloating and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

❓ What is IBS?

🧠 IBS is a gut condition where the bowels are very sensitive.
It does not damage the intestines, but it can cause symptoms.

❓ How does IBS cause bloating?

💨 With IBS:

• Gas builds up more easily

• The gut moves food too fast or too slow

• Stress can make symptoms worse

❓ Common IBS symptoms

• 🤰 Bloating

• 💩 Diarrhea or constipation (or both)

• 😣 Belly pain that feels better after using the bathroom

❓ What helps with bloating in IBS?

✅ Try these tips:

• 🍽️ Eat small meals

• 🐢 Eat slowly

• 📓 Keep a food diary

• 🚶 Walk after meals

• 🧘 Relax and manage stress

🚽 Bloating and Constipation

❓ What is constipation?

🚽 Constipation means:

• Hard stools

• Fewer bowel movements

• Trouble passing stool

❓ How does constipation cause bloating?

💩 When stool stays in the gut too long:

• Gas builds up

• The belly feels tight and uncomfortable

❓ What helps with bloating from constipation?

✅ Helpful habits:

• 💧 Drink plenty of water

• 🥦 Eat fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)

• 🚶 Be active every day

• 🚽 Do not ignore the urge to go

🍎 Foods That May Cause Bloating

Some foods cause more gas:

• 🥛 Milk and cheese

• 🫘 Beans and lentils

• 🥤 Soda and fizzy drinks

• 🧅 Onions, cabbage, broccoli

👉 Not everyone reacts the same way.

❓ When should I see a doctor?

⚠️ Call your doctor if bloating:

• Happens almost every day

• Is very painful

• Comes with weight loss

• Comes with vomiting or fever

• Comes with blood in stool

✅ Simple Daily Tips to Reduce Bloating

🌞 Everyday steps:

• 🍽️ Eat slowly

• 💧 Drink water

• 🚶 Move your body

• ❌ Avoid soda

• 🧘 Reduce stress

🩺 Remember:

Most bloating is not dangerous, but long-lasting bloating should be checked by a doctor.