Bloating is a common issue that most of us experience at some point in our lives. It can be caused by various reasons, including overeating, constipation, and hormonal changes.

However, if you experience abnormal bloating that doesn’t go away, there could be an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. In this article, we’ll explore the warning signs of abnormal bloating and why you shouldn’t ignore them.

What is Abnormal Bloating?

Abnormal bloating is when your stomach feels full, tight, and swollen in an unusual way. If you have abnormal bloating, you may feel like you have a balloon in your stomach that’s about to burst.

This type of bloating is not a normal part of the digestive process and may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Warning Signs of Abnormal Bloating

Here are some of the warning signs of abnormal bloating that you shouldn’t ignore:.

1. Persistent bloating

If you have persistent bloating that doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Most bloating is temporary and goes away on its own, but if you have bloating that lasts more than two weeks, you should consult a doctor.

2. Abdominal pain

If your bloating is accompanied by abdominal pain, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Abdominal pain can be a symptom of various conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and ovarian cancer.

3. Changes in bowel habits

If you experience changes in your bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, along with bloating, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Changes in bowel habits can be a symptom of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and colon cancer.

4. Difficulty eating

If you have difficulty eating or a loss of appetite along with bloating, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Difficulty eating can be a symptom of conditions like stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer.

5. Nausea and vomiting

If your bloating is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.

Nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of conditions like gastroparesis, a stomach condition where the stomach doesn’t empty properly, and intestinal obstruction, a blockage in the intestines.

6. Weight loss

If you have unexplained weight loss along with bloating, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of conditions like stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer.

7. Blood in the stool

If you notice blood in your stool along with bloating, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Blood in the stool can be a symptom of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and anal cancer.

8. Fever

If you have a fever along with bloating, it could be a sign of an infection or inflammation in your body. Fever can be a symptom of conditions like diverticulitis, an inflammation in the colon, and appendicitis, an inflammation in the appendix.

9. Shortness of breath

If you have shortness of breath along with bloating, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.

Shortness of breath can be a symptom of conditions like heart failure, a condition where the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, and pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lung.

10. Swelling in the legs

If you have swelling in your legs along with bloating, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Swelling in the legs can be a symptom of conditions like heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.

Causes of Abnormal Bloating

Abnormal bloating can be caused by various medical conditions, including:.

1. Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the large intestine. The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

2. Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two most common types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The symptoms of IBD include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating.

3. Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach doesn’t empty properly. The symptoms of gastroparesis include bloating, nausea, and vomiting.

4. Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the ovaries. The symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, abdominal pain, and difficulty eating.

5. Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that affects the pancreas. The symptoms of pancreatic cancer include bloating, abdominal pain, and difficulty eating.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience abnormal bloating along with any of the warning signs listed above, you should consult a doctor. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order tests to determine the underlying cause of your bloating.

It’s important to seek medical attention if you have persistent bloating that doesn’t go away, as it could be a sign of a more serious condition.

Preventing Abnormal Bloating

While some causes of abnormal bloating are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to prevent bloating:.

1. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly

Eating too quickly can cause you to swallow air, which can lead to bloating. Chewing your food thoroughly can help you digest it more easily.

2. Avoid foods that are known to cause bloating

Foods that are high in fat, fiber, or sugar can cause bloating. Avoiding these foods or eating them in moderation can help prevent bloating.

3. Drink plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water can help keep your digestive system moving and prevent constipation, which can cause bloating.

4. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can help keep your digestive system moving and prevent bloating. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

5. Manage stress

Stress can cause your digestive system to slow down, which can lead to bloating. Finding ways to manage your stress, such as meditation or yoga, can help prevent bloating.

Conclusion

Abnormal bloating can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you experience persistent bloating along with any of the warning signs listed above, you should consult a doctor.

Preventing bloating by eating slowly, avoiding certain foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and managing stress can help reduce your risk of developing bloating.