Bloating is a complex symptom that can hide very different realities. Before wanting to act, it is essential to understand the origin of the disorder. “There is so-called functional bloating which can be part of irritable bowel syndrome. And there is bloating which can be a secondary cause of a digestive disease, a gynecological disease, an endocrine problem, etc.first explains Dr Lucas Spindler, gastroenterologist.
The first reflex: regularize your transit
If the bloating is part of a context of constipation or slow transit, the answer first relies on concrete changes in your lifestyle. For the doctor, there is no need to look for complex miracle solutions: it is the healthy lifestyle that takes precedence.
“If we are in bloating secondary to constipation, therefore slow transit, functional constipation, at that time, the treatment aims to regularize transit. And by regularizing transit, I mean the application of what we call hygienic-dietary measures“, explains the doctor.
The seat and the movement, the pillars of your comfort
To find a flat stomach, Dr Spindler insists on the winning trio: fiber, hydration and physical activity. These measures not only facilitate the evacuation of stools, but also limit excessive fermentation linked to an unbalanced diet.
“You should eat a diet rich in fiber. Five fruits and vegetables per day, sufficient hydration, at least one and a half liters, or even two liters of water per day. And regular physical activity”emphasizes Dr. Spindler. He specifies that “changes in intestinal flora, which can be observed in the case of junk food, can also increase the production of gas in the digestive system..
When to worry and consult?
There is no single “timing” for deciding to consult, because everything depends on the nature and intensity of your symptoms. If an isolated and temporary episode does not generally require concern, the repetition or worsening of the signs should alert you.
The gastroenterologist warns: “If symptoms last more than a few days, you should consult. The problem is that we must distinguish bloating from abdominal distention, that is to say the increase in abdominal circumference. At this time, we must not miss, for example, an intestinal obstruction. If there is a complete cessation of materials and gases, if there is significant pain, you should not wait a week.”
The need for medical advice for an accurate diagnosis
If health and diet measures are the first step, they should not replace medical advice, especially if the problems persist or develop over time. The doctor is the only one who can know if additional tests are necessary.
“You have to reassure people, but you still have to talk to your doctor, who will judge whether there is a need for specialist advice and if there is a need for exploration, an additional assessment. After 50 years, we will happily offer an endoscopic assessment or a blood test to ensure that there is no secondary cause.”concludes Dr. Spindler. In summary, start by changing your habits, but do not allow a symptom to develop that merits appropriate medical treatment.