Abdominal Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Abdominal distension?

Hello, Doctor.
I've been experiencing some discomfort in my abdomen lately and would like your assistance in confirming whether I have abdominal bloating.
It started with mild diarrhea at the beginning of last month, which resolved on its own without medical intervention.
However, over the past two weeks, I've noticed a significant feeling of bloating, though it is not painful.
I can pass gas and have bowel movements without relief from the bloating sensation.

Regarding my bowel movements, I used to have deep coffee-colored stools that were somewhat coarse with noticeable granules.
Recently, the color has changed to a clay-like yellow, and the stools have become thinner and shinier or somewhat loose.
I haven't observed any visible blood or bleeding symptoms, but the stools feel stickier than before, making them harder to pass, and I sometimes feel like I haven't fully emptied my bowels, leading to additional trips to the restroom shortly after.
The frequency of my bowel movements hasn't changed significantly, typically occurring every two to three days, with one to three times a day.
In terms of diet, I hardly feel hungry, but I can eat regular meals and snacks without nausea or vomiting, although the portion sizes have decreased.
Recently, due to family dietary preferences, I've been consuming meat occasionally and have increased my intake of legumes, vegetables, and whole grains, approaching a lacto-vegetarian diet, but without particularly greasy foods.
I do not smoke or drink alcohol, avoid spicy foods, and do not eat late-night snacks.
My weight has slightly increased by about one kilogram.
Additionally, I sometimes experience mild fever (unsure if it's a true fever), but the symptoms disappear after some rest.
I would like to ask if the symptoms mentioned above could be indicative of a gastrointestinal virus or if they might suggest another condition.
Should I seek further medical evaluation (such as a colonoscopy, endoscopy, or fecal occult blood test)? Would supplementing with probiotics (for example, well-known American probiotics like Brand X or Brand Y) help alleviate the symptoms? Are there other ways to improve my condition? I would appreciate your opinion.
Thank you.

Yu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/05

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Pay attention to your diet.
It is advisable to continue monitoring your condition.
Recently, viral gastroenteritis has been prevalent, which may present symptoms such as nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or loose stools.
Generally, it is recommended to stay hydrated, replenish electrolytes, maintain a light diet, and use symptomatic medications.
Probiotics can support gut health as a dietary supplement.
When using over-the-counter medications, be sure to read the product instructions for efficacy.
Gastrointestinal medications typically have a milder dosage and high safety profile, allowing them to be sold in pharmacies and drugstores.
For gastrointestinal medications, you can consult with pharmacists or pharmacy technicians.
If gastrointestinal symptoms do not improve, it is advisable to see a doctor for prescription medications.
In cases of persistent bloating or recurrent issues, a consultation with a gastroenterologist for stool occult blood testing or further gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended.
If you experience fever, abdominal rigidity, or anemia, please seek medical attention promptly.
Best wishes for your health!

Reply Date: 2024/02/05

More Info

Abdominal bloating can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, and it can arise from a variety of causes. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing bloating, changes in bowel habits, and some mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Let's break down your symptoms and explore possible causes, as well as potential solutions.

Possible Causes of Abdominal Bloating
1. Dietary Factors: Changes in your diet can significantly impact your digestive health. You mentioned that you have shifted towards a plant-based diet, which is generally healthy but can sometimes lead to bloating, especially if your body is not used to processing high amounts of fiber from beans, legumes, and vegetables. Foods that are high in fiber can cause gas and bloating, particularly if introduced suddenly.

2. Gut Health: The changes in your stool consistency and color, along with the feeling of incomplete evacuation, could indicate an imbalance in your gut microbiome. This imbalance can lead to symptoms such as bloating, changes in bowel habits, and discomfort. The presence of mucus in your stool can also be a sign of irritation in the intestines.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Your symptoms could be indicative of IBS, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Stress, dietary changes, and gut flora imbalances can trigger IBS symptoms.

4. Infections or Inflammation: While you mentioned that you had mild diarrhea that resolved on its own, lingering symptoms like bloating could suggest a lingering infection or inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Conditions like gastroenteritis or even food intolerances can lead to similar symptoms.

5. Other Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can also cause bloating and changes in bowel habits.

Recommended Solutions
1. Dietary Adjustments: Consider keeping a food diary to track what you eat and how it affects your symptoms. Gradually reintroducing high-fiber foods may help your body adjust. You might also want to limit foods known to cause gas, such as beans, carbonated beverages, and certain vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.

2. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water, as this can help with digestion and may alleviate some bloating.

3. Probiotics: Introducing probiotics into your diet can help restore balance to your gut microbiome. You mentioned considering over-the-counter probiotics; these can be beneficial, but it's essential to choose a reputable brand and ensure it contains strains that have been studied for gastrointestinal health.

4. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating. Even light activities like walking can be beneficial.

5. Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises into your routine.

When to Seek Medical Attention
Given your symptoms, it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider if:
- Your symptoms persist or worsen.

- You experience significant weight loss.

- You notice blood in your stool or severe abdominal pain.

- You have persistent changes in bowel habits that do not resolve.

In such cases, your doctor may recommend further investigations, such as a colonoscopy or endoscopy, to rule out any underlying conditions. A stool test for occult blood may also be warranted to check for gastrointestinal bleeding.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be manageable with dietary and lifestyle adjustments, it is crucial to monitor your condition closely. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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