Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults

Q: Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults

Hello： 1. <br>Bowel habits and stool characteristics are related to gastroenteritis, dietary habits, and medications. <br>2. <br>In young individuals, abdominal bloating and changes in bowel habits are mostly associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastrointestinal dys

Abdominal bloating, feeling unusual?

I am a 22-year-old male.
From late December to late January, I injured my foot and had a cast on.
I had it removed at the end of January.
Aside from walking to and from class, I mostly sat down during that time.
At home, I would sit after meals.
During this period, my bowel movements were normal.
On February 9, I started feeling a strange bloating sensation around my abdomen (specifically around my navel), but it wasn't painful.
Sometimes after drinking water or eating, I felt the need to burp to release gas, although I didn't pass much gas.

On February 13, I visited a nearby clinic, and the doctor suggested it might be mild gastroenteritis.
That evening, I thought since I hadn't had diarrhea, I would eat a normal dinner.
About half an hour later, I had diarrhea and noticed the vegetables I had just eaten.
After that, I switched to eating congee and toast, and I didn't have diarrhea again, but my stools were still small.
Sometimes they were thin and dark in color, while other times they were light brown, but still small or thin.

Despite taking medication, the discomfort in my abdomen hasn't improved.
Yesterday, I decided to try eating grilled mackerel rice, and about two hours later, I had diarrhea again, which took longer to occur this time.
Sometimes, I noticed mucus when wiping after a bowel movement.
Today, I saw a doctor again, and he adjusted my medication.
Is my condition gastroenteritis? He mentioned that there might be an overgrowth of bad bacteria in my intestines.
Can gastroenteritis cause stools to become smaller and thinner? Could my lack of exercise and prolonged sitting over the past month be a contributing factor? Or could it be due to not washing my hands properly? Are there any other possible conditions?

Rick, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/02/17

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: 1.
Bowel habits and stool characteristics are related to gastroenteritis, dietary habits, and medications.
2.
In young individuals, abdominal bloating and changes in bowel habits are mostly associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Poor hand hygiene and unclean food can lead to gastroenteritis.
Moderate exercise is beneficial for gastrointestinal motility.
3.
It is recommended to adjust dietary habits, eat and drink slowly without overeating, reduce intake of spicy, fatty, and sugary foods, avoid lying down immediately after meals, engage in moderate exercise, and avoid prolonged sitting.
Occasionally, supplementing with probiotics may improve indigestion.
If symptoms persist, follow-up at an outpatient clinic is advised.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lin Ming-Hui, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2014/02/17

More Info

Abdominal bloating and discomfort can be concerning, especially for young adults who may not have experienced such symptoms before. Your situation, which involves a recent period of immobility due to a leg injury, combined with dietary changes, could contribute to your current gastrointestinal issues. Let’s break down the potential causes and concerns related to your symptoms.

Possible Causes of Abdominal Bloating
1. Dietary Factors: The foods you consume can significantly impact your digestive health. A diet high in processed foods, fats, and sugars can lead to bloating and discomfort. If you've recently changed your diet or consumed foods that are difficult to digest, this could explain your symptoms. Foods that are high in fiber, while generally healthy, can also cause bloating if introduced too quickly into your diet.

2. Physical Inactivity: Your recent immobility due to the leg injury may have slowed down your digestive system. Regular physical activity helps stimulate digestion and can prevent constipation and bloating. When you are less active, food may move more slowly through your digestive tract, leading to feelings of fullness and discomfort.

3. Gastrointestinal Infections: Your doctor mentioned the possibility of mild gastroenteritis. This condition can result from viral or bacterial infections and often leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. The presence of mucus in your stool may indicate inflammation or irritation in your intestines, which can occur with infections or other gastrointestinal disorders.

4. Gut Flora Imbalance: An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to bloating and digestive issues. If your diet has been lacking in probiotics (found in yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods), this could contribute to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, leading to symptoms like bloating and changes in stool consistency.

5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common condition that can cause bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. Stress, dietary changes, and lifestyle factors can trigger IBS symptoms, and it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider if your symptoms persist.

Concerns and Recommendations
- Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how it affects your symptoms. This can help identify any specific triggers that may be causing your bloating or discomfort.

- Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough water, as dehydration can exacerbate digestive issues. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy bowel movements.

- Gradual Dietary Changes: If you are trying to improve your diet, do so gradually. Introduce high-fiber foods slowly to allow your digestive system to adjust.

- Physical Activity: As your leg heals, gradually reintroduce physical activity into your routine. Even light exercises, such as walking, can help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.

- Follow-Up with Healthcare Provider: Since your symptoms have persisted despite medication, it may be beneficial to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further testing, such as stool tests or imaging studies, to rule out any underlying conditions.

- Consider Probiotics: If your doctor agrees, consider incorporating probiotics into your diet. These can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut and may alleviate some of your symptoms.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to mild gastroenteritis or dietary changes, it is essential to monitor your condition closely and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. They can provide tailored advice and treatment options based on your specific situation. Remember, digestive health is crucial for overall well-being, and addressing these issues early can prevent more significant problems down the line.

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