A bloated stomach is normally caused by binging on a big meal or eating foods which the digestive system struggles to digest. Bloat-inducing foods include junk food and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. These types of vegetables contain properties which the human body lacks the enzymes to break down. However, stomach bloating is also a symptom of some serious health concerns which would need medical attention, such as IBS, coeliac disease and even cancer.
IBS
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a common condition that affects the digestive system.
It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.
It’s usually lifelong problem and there is no cure, but proper treatment can help to improve symptoms.
Coeliac disease
Coeliac is another common digestive condition which happens when the small intestine becomes inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients.
It can cause a range of symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating.
Coeliac disease is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye.
Like with IBS, there is no cure for coeliac disease but switching to a gluten-free diet can help control symptoms.
Bowel cancer
Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK.
Persistent lower tummy pain, bloating or discomfort is one of the three main symptoms of the disease.
The other two main symptoms of bowel cancer are persistent blood in the stools and a persistent change in bowel habits, such as needing to go more often and with looser stools.
Stomach bloating: Top tips to avoid bloating pain
Stomach bloating: Nine tips to avoid bloating pain.
Stomach bloating: Top tips to avoid bloating pain
Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer is a less common type of cancer in the UK than bowel cancer.
The initial symptoms of stomach cancer include feeling very full or bloated after meals, persistent indigestion and heartburn, trapped wind and frequent burping, and persistent stomach pain.
See a GP if you regularly experience stomach bloating and don’t know what is causing it.
While it’s more likely to be something less serious than cancer, it’s better to get it checked out in case.
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