Bloating: everything there is to know!

What is bloating? 

Bloating is a feeling of abdominal distension caused by an accumulation of gas or liquids in the digestive system.

This phenomenon occurs when air or gas produced during digestion accumulate in the intestines, creating a feeling of swelling in the abdomen.  

How does bloating feel? 

The symptoms of bloating can vary in intensity and frequency, but the most common manifestations include:

• Bloated belly: the belly is swollen or stretched, which is obviously a source of discomfort. You can feel the need to unbutton your trousers or loosen your belt,
• Abdominal pain: it can be localised or diffuse, and is often described as cramps, spasms or a feeling of tension. The intensity of such pain may vary, and it can sometimes be relieved by the expulsion of gas,
• Flatulence and frequent gas: excess gas leads to belching (burping), especially after meals, and frequent flatulence, sometimes accompanied by unpleasant smell, which can be annoying in everyday life,
• Borborygma and gurgling: you can hear gurgling or spluttering noises coming from the digestive tract, which are due to the circulation of air and gas in the intestines,
• General discomfort: bloating causes a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the tummy, leading to general discomfort, particularly after meals.

In cases where bloating is intense and painful, it may be confused with other digestive disorders such as constipation, making diagnosis more difficult.

What causes bloating? 

There are various causes of bloating: it can be triggered by diet, digestive disorders or lifestyle habits.

Food 

One of the main causes of bloating is the overproduction of gas in the intestines, resulting from the breakdown of food by the bacteria in the intestinal flora. Foods rich in fibre, such as legumes, cabbage and wholegrain cereals, are particularly likely to cause gas.

Another important factor is aerophagia, which occurs when you swallow air while eating or drinking. This can happen because of the speed with which food is consumed, as well as when chewing gum or smoking. Ingested air accumulates in the digestive tract, causing feelings of distension and pressure. This phenomenon is common in people who eat under stress or who talk while eating, thus increasing the amount of air ingested.

Food intolerance 

It plays a significant role in the onset of bloating. People who are lactose intolerant, for example, have difficulty digesting dairy products, which can lead to gas build-up and abdominal pain. Similarly, people with coeliac disease, who cannot tolerate gluten, may experience bloating after eating foods containing this protein.

Digestive problems 

Digestive disorders can exacerbate bloating. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common disorder, is characterised by abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits. Digestive diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also generate these symptoms.

Similarly, intestinal infections, whether viral or bacterial, can disrupt digestion and lead to bloating.

Constipation is also a frequent cause of bloating, as it slows down intestinal transit, allowing gas to accumulate in the intestines.

Lifestyle 

Finally, different lifestyle habits or life situations can cause bloating:

• Stress disrupts digestion, leading to increased gas production,
• Insufficient physical activity slows down intestinal transit, making bloating worse,
• An unbalanced diet, rich in processed foods and low in fibre, can also play a role in the onset of these symptoms.

There are other risk factors for bloating, such as hormonal changes (menstruation, menopause, pregnancy) or certain medications (laxatives).

In some cases, bloating can be a sign of more serious problems, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a gastrointestinal infection or food poisoning. These disorders require medical attention, especially if symptoms persist or worsen, so it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

How can bloating be diagnosed and treated? 

The diagnosis of bloating begins with a medical appointment, where the doctor assesses the symptoms and tries to identify their cause, while ruling out serious conditions such as intestinal obstruction or digestive infection.The doctor asks the patient about their eating habits and medical history, and carries out a physical examination of the abdomen.

If the symptoms persist or are accompanied by other signs, further tests may be prescribed: blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy or colonoscopy. These tests help to pinpoint the cause of the bloating and adjust the treatment.

Treatment for bloating is often based on dietary adjustments. There are several options available to relieve bloating: 

Natural remedies 

Peppermint, ginger or fennel infusions can soothe the digestive system, reduce spasms and help expel gas. Probiotics rebalance the intestinal flora and help reduce digestive symptoms.

Medication 

Certain treatments can help, but they must only be used occasionally and following medical advice:

• Digestive bandage, containing kaolin or simeticone, reduces the formation of gas,
• Activated charcoal absorbs gas, but may interact with other medicines,
• Antispasmodics relieve digestive spasms and pain.

How to prevent bloating? 

To prevent bloating, you need to have a well-balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Here's our advice:

• Make dietary adjustments: eat slowly, chew well and avoid talking too much during meals. Avoid fizzy drinks and chewing gum. Limit certain fermentable foods and try adding digestive plants (fennel, caraway),
• Improve your lifestyle: eat smaller portions for easier digestion, walk after meals and keep active, as exercise improves digestion. Learn to manage your stress to ease digestive problems linked to anxiety.
• Adjust your diet if you have food intolerance: lactose or gluten can cause bloating. Talk to your doctor about how you can adjust your diet.

Bloating can be an unpleasant and distressing symptom, especially for those living with chronic conditions. Understanding the causes in order to prevent and treat bloating is important.

If bloating persists, it is essential to make an appointment with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.