Is your tummy flat in the morning but tight and swollen by the evening? If this has been going on for some time, it is worth having the cause checked by a doctor.
Bloating is a common problem, but it is often seen as something that will pass and is not taken seriously. Many people put it down to "just wind", yet sometimes there is a condition behind it that needs treatment.
Possible causes
A bloated tummy can have three groups of causes:
- psychological strain,
- diet,
- conditions of the stomach and bowel.
Bloating that does not go away should be looked into properly by a doctor. What seems like harmless bloating can sometimes be a sign of conditions such as inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), ulcers, inflammation of the bowel (colitis) or even cancer.
Diet and bloating
Bloating affects women and men equally. Even air swallowed during the day can cause it, and it is also closely linked to what you eat. The foods and drinks that most often cause bloating include:
- frequent coffee and strong black tea,
- fried food,
- spicy and sour dishes,
- fizzy drinks.
Bloating and wind are not the same
A bloated tummy and wind (gas in the bowel) are different complaints. Wind usually comes on after meals, especially after eating larger amounts of certain foods such as onions, lentils, chickpeas or sesame paste (tahini).
What you can do
- Try to avoid stress, for example by exercising regularly.
- Listen to your body and avoid foods that cause you bloating.
- If your symptoms get worse, be sure to contact your doctor.