Why stomach inflated

Ascites is usually caused by liver disease , but cancer is the culprit about 10 percent of the time. Severe abdominal pain and bloating that occur suddenly, especially if you also have nausea and vomiting, may be a sign of a bowel obstruction from scar tissue or a tumor pressing on the bowel.

Immediate medical attention is a must to avoid complications like bowel perforation that can be fatal. Obstructions are painful, because the bowel above the blocked area stretches as it fills with food and digestive juices. The pain is intense and may occur in waves as the bowels try to push their contents through the obstructed area.

Blood in your stool, vaginal bleeding in between periods, or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding can all be associated with serious bloating. Fever that accompanies bloating is usually due to infection or inflammation. Although ovarian cancer is only the fifth most common cancer in women, it causes more deaths than any other reproductive cancer — mostly in women over Risk factors include never having children or having them late in life, obesity, a family history of ovarian cancer, certain genetic abnormalities, and long-term treatment with hormone replacement therapy.

Persistent bloating, feeling full faster, and pelvic pain are typical symptoms. A thorough pelvic exam or transvaginal ultrasound is the best way to diagnose ovarian cancer. Uterine cancer. In addition to bloating, uterine cancer can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, a watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge , pelvic pain, or pain with intercourse or urination. Combinations of the above symptoms, especially if you have a strong family history or additional risk factors, may point to a more serious diagnosis like uterine cancer.

This calls for immediate further investigation with a pelvic exam, and imaging tests like an ultrasound or CAT scan. Fortunately, even aggressive cancers, when caught early enough, can be treated and often cured. Indigestion, sometimes called dyspepsia, is discomfort or pain in the stomach. Most people experience brief episodes of indigestion from time to time. Frequent indigestion that does not appear to be associated with food or other apparent causes could be a sign of something more serious.

Possible causes include a stomach ulcer, cancer , or liver failure. These are often due to bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Helicobacter pylori , or a viral infection such as norovirus or rotavirus. Stomach infections usually go away on their own after a few days. However, some people may become severely dehydrated or continue to get worse over several days.

These individuals should see a doctor if the bloating coincides with:. The stomach and intestines are home to a variety of bacteria, many of which help the body digest food. Disturbing the balance of these bacteria can lead to an increase in harmful bacteria present in the small intestine. This is known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO.

SIBO can cause bloating, frequent diarrhea, and may lead to difficulties digesting food and absorbing nutrients. For some people, SIBO can lead to osteoporosis or unintentional weight loss.

Some women find that they are bloated immediately before getting their periods or early in pregnancy. Chronic bloating due to fluid retention could have a more serious cause, such as diabetes or kidney failure.

If the bloating does not go away, a person should speak to a doctor. Some people become bloated after eating certain foods. For example, people who are lactose intolerant , or who have a gluten allergy or celiac disease. The bloating usually goes away on its own but may be linked to diarrhea or stomach pain. Gastroparesis is a disorder that affects normal stomach emptying. Several clinical studies have shown that certain probiotic supplements can help reduce gas production and bloating in people with digestive problems 28 , However, other studies showed that probiotics can help reduce gas, but not symptoms of bloating 30 , 31 , Probiotic supplements can have numerous other benefits, so they are definitely worth trying out.

Probiotic supplements can help improve the bacterial environment in the gut, which can help reduce symptoms of gas and bloating. Drugs called antispasmodics, which can help reduce muscle spasms, have been shown to be of use Peppermint oil is a natural substance that is believed to function in a similar way Numerous studies have shown that it can reduce various symptoms in IBS patients, including bloating 35 , Peppermint oil has been shown to be effective against bloating and other digestive symptoms, at least in IBS patients.

If you have chronic bloating that causes severe problems in your life, or becomes a lot worse all of a sudden, definitely see a doctor. There is always the possibility of some serious medical condition, and diagnosing digestive problems can be complicated.

However, in many cases, bloating can be reduced — or even eliminated — with simple changes in diet. Looking to get rid of your abdominal bloating?

It can interfere with your ability to work and participate in social or recreational activities. Bloating is often caused by certain foods. This article lists 13 foods that are known to cause bloating, and shows you what to replace them with.

When should you see a doctor for bloating and back pain? Learn what causes these symptoms and how to manage pain at home. Abdominal pain is pain that originates between the chest and the pelvis. Burping, or belching, is the act of expelling gas from the stomach through…. Understanding the differences between stomach bloat and belly fat can help you determine the cause and take appropriate interventions.

Trapped gas can be acutely painful. It's usually not serious, but may be a sign of a food intolerance or an underlying digestive problem. Learn about…. If you experience bloating, certain supplements could help alleviate the discomfort. It feels as though the stomach has expanded and stretched, which can be uncomfortable. Having too much to eat or consuming food that causes gas can cause temporary swelling in the stomach.

However, if the swelling is frequent, it may indicate a dietary issue or be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Irritable bowel syndrome IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that causes symptoms such as:. However, the ACG note that people with IBS tend to have higher levels of sensitivity in the intestines than those who do not have the condition.

There is no cure for IBS. However, the following home treatments may help alleviate the symptoms:. Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder in which a person is unable to digest the sugar lactose, which is present in milk. A person with lactose intolerance will develop uncomfortable or painful symptoms within a few hours of consuming milk or dairy products. These symptoms may include:. The best way to prevent the symptoms of lactose intolerance is to avoid foods and beverages that contain lactose.

Alternatively, people can try taking lactase pills or capsules before eating a meal that contains lactose. The enzyme lactase helps the body digest this sugar. Cirrhosis is a condition in which functioning liver cells become replaced with nonfunctioning scar tissue. Liver scarring can cause increased blood pressure in the blood vessels surrounding the liver.

This, in turn, can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen. The causes of liver disease range from underlying medical conditions to the long-term overconsumption of alcohol.