One chief complaint from people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is abdominal bloating or distention, which may be caused by gas in the digestive tract. Bloating can be painful, embarrassing, and can limit your wardrobe choices to elastic waistbands. Fortunately there are several ways to deal with gas or bloating.
Causes of Gas
Bloating is largely caused by intestinal gas. Intestinal gas can result from eating gassy foods. Swallowing air while eating is often done unconsciously and may result in frequent belching during or after meals. To avoid swallowing air, slow down when eating, don't 'slurp' drinks, and don't talk while chewing. Also try to avoid chewing gum, hard candy, carbonated beverages (such as soda pop), and drinking through straws.
Preventing Gas
The best way to prevent gas caused by foods is to avoid them. Every person is affected by foods differently, but foods that commonly cause gas are:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Corn
- Fructose
- Lactose
- Potatoes
- Sorbitol
- Wheat
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance may also contribute to abdominal bloating. Avoiding foods with milk, such as ice cream or cheese, can help the problem, but this is not always practical. Today several products are available which are lactose-free or can help lactose-intolerant people to digest lactose.
Treatments for Bloating
Once the bloating is already present, there are a few ways to treat it. A heating pad or a hot bath may ease discomfort. Taking the supplement Beano when eating beans or legumes may help reduce gas from those foods. Over-the-counter anti-gas remedies, which often contain polyethylene glycol or simethicone, may also help.
To expel intestinal gas, try a brisk walk or other form of exercise. Frequent exercise can help keep the intestines moving properly. If exercise fails, try laying quietly on your left side and bring your knees up to your chest. This position can sometimes help release trapped gas.
Over-the-counter gas relief remedies may also be effective, but be sure to read all the ingredients. Some brands contain sorbitol, a food additive which has been shown to irritate the digestive track and cause diarrhea, cramps, and pain.
More Uncommon Causes for Bloating
If the abdomen is tender to the touch or hard, contact your physician to make sure that there is not an underlying cause for the bloating. Although uncommon, bloating can also be caused by more serious conditions. Persistent, progressive, or severe bloating, especially when accompanied by other symptoms and an increase in abdominal girth, should be checked out by a doctor right away.
Sources:
Azpiroz F. "Understanding Intestinal Gas." International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc. 31 Mar 2009. 6 May 2009.
AGA Patient Center. "Gas in the Digestive Tract." American Gastroenterological Association 2009. 6 May 2009.
