Swollen belly: 10 possible causes and solutions

It should not be normal to have a swollen belly regularly. Unfortunately there are those who have become used to living with this and it should not be like that. All people can have it like this at some point in their life with a swollen belly, but not continuously.

If abdominal distention occurs after eating or more than twice a week, it is time to solve the problem. It is necessary to go to the doctor when it is perceived that the belly does not return to its natural position, since gases are not always the causes of having a swollen belly.

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10 causes of a bloated belly

Gas is one of the first things you think about when you have a bloated belly.. Although it is one of the factors that affects this problem, it is not the only or the most common. For this reason, it is necessary to know the different causes that cause a swelling of this type.

What you have to do first is change your eating habits for healthier ones. You should consult with the nutritionist or doctor if the problem does not subside; it is the healthcare professional who knows how to identify the origin of the swollen belly and seek the best treatment.

1. Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common causes of a bloated belly. It is a disorder that affects the large intestine, and its symptoms are abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and excess gas.

It is not a serious disease, but you have to watch that you take care of your diet, avoiding fats, irritants and not letting many hours go by without eating. In addition, stress is a determining factor in the development of this disorder.

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2. Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is very common in adults. Lactose is a type of sugar found in dairy. The body needs an enzyme called lactase to digest lactose, and if the small intestine does not produce this enzyme, lactose intolerance is present.

Although this disease has no cure, it is not serious. Symptoms are bloating and diarrhea after consuming some type of dairy. It is enough to eliminate all dairy products from the diet or replace them with lactose-free products.

3. Premenstrual syndrome

PMS affects women in different ways. Although most suffer from a swollen belly just two to three days before the start of menstruation, there are some women who do not feel it.

During menstruation it is even more common, and a day or two later the inflammation disappears. This can be normal and it is enough to take some pain reliever or apply warm compresses. However, a gynecological examination never hurts.

4. Partial intestinal obstruction

Bowel obstruction is, as the name implies, a blockage in the intestine. In this case the contents of the intestine cannot pass, which causes pain and swelling in the belly. A bowel obstruction should be checked out by a doctor.

The cause of this obstruction can be due to infections, twisting of the intestine, taking drugs or serious diseases such as tumors. Swelling is often accompanied by severe pain.

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5. Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are tumors that grow in the womb. Although these tumors are not frequent, it is relatively normal for them to appear at some stage in life and they are usually benign.

They are caused by hormonal imbalances and there is a genetic predisposition. One of the symptoms is swelling in the belly, but there are also menstruation imbalances.

6. Swallowing air

Air swallowing refers to an excessive intake of air in the digestive tract. It is due to poor eating habits and consuming carbonated or sugary drinks. It is also caused by the habit of eating too fast.

In addition to bloating, swallowing air causes slight pain, gas, belching, and bowel sounds. It is also related to anxiety and stress. This condition is not serious and it is enough to change habits to reduce symptoms.

7. Pregnancy

In the first trimester of pregnancy an abdominal distention may already occur. Although the most noticeable growth of the belly begins from the second trimester, some women present it from the beginning without this being a problem.

Having a swollen belly can be a sign of pregnancy. In addition, it is common for some of the typical symptoms of pregnancy to appear such as dizziness, nausea, delayed menstruation, headaches or pain in the breasts.

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8. Ascites

Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. This can be a symptom of a serious health problem. If, in addition to excessive swelling of the belly, there is jaundice, liver enlargement and intense discomfort, it may be ascites.

Umbilical hernias and respiratory distress may also occur. In this case, it is a very important growth of the belly that is much more noticeable in thin people. In addition, it must be borne in mind that ascites can be caused by serious diseases such as cirrhosis.

9. Constipation

Constipation causes a bloated belly. If the diet is low in fiber, not enough water is consumed, and also little or no exercise is done, it is likely that constipation will develop. In severe cases it can become chronic.

Constipation causes bloating, heaviness and pain, and you can go several days without going to the bathroom. To solve it you have to drink enough water, exercise and eat fruits and vegetables rich in fiber. If this is not enough, you have to go to the doctor.

10. Apnea

Sleep apnea can lead to a swollen belly. Apnea is a respiratory disease, and people who suffer from it habitually snore and stop breathing while they sleep.

Due to this problem, the affected person breathes through the mouth at night. This causes air to enter the stomach. Like a balloon, the stomach inflates and upon waking you may feel a swollen belly and slight pain. In this case, you should go to the doctor to treat the apnea directly.

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Bibliographic references

• Fernández, O. (2013). My anti-cancer recipes: Food and anti-cancer life. Barcelona: Urano SAU Editions.

• Fung, J. and Dinicolantonio, J. (2019). The Longevity Solution. Victory Belt Pub.

• Lénárt, G. (2013). Alkalizing drinks. Green smoothies, juices and foods to be healthy. Madrid: Editorial EDAF, S.L..