Understanding Bloating and Distension

Understanding Bloating and Distension | We break down complex health issues and help you feel more in control.

At Check My Wellbeing, we’re here to help you understand your body and take control of your health. This guide explains what bloating and distension are, what causes them, and when it may be time to speak to your GP. You’ll also find practical advice on treatment options that could ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What Are Bloating and Distension?

Bloating is a familiar and uncomfortable sensation of fullness or pressure in the stomach area. It can feel like trapped wind or a swollen belly. Sometimes, this is accompanied by a visible increase in waist size, known as distension. You might experience one or both of these symptoms, and they can fluctuate throughout the day.

Who Experiences These Symptoms?

Understanding Bloating and Distension | Bloating and distension are incredibly common – up to 4 in 10 people may feel bloated occasionally. They’re persistent in those with gut-brain interaction disorders, such as:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Up to 9 in 10 people with IBS report bloating.
• Functional Dyspepsia – Around half experience bloating.
• Gastroparesis – A condition where the stomach empties slowly.

These symptoms may also appear in people who:

• Experience chronic constipation.
• Have supra gastric belching (frequent belching throughout the day).
• Are diagnosed with functional bloating or distension (when no other digestive conditions are identified).

Bloating tends to affect women more often than men, and further research is being conducted to understand the underlying causes.

What Are the Common Symptoms?

• A feeling of fullness, pressure, or trapped gas in the stomach.
• Visible increase in waist size.
• Discomfort or pain in the abdominal area.
• Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea).
• Symptoms that often worsen throughout the day – many report a flat stomach in the morning and bloating after meals.

When to Speak to Your GP

Sometimes, bloating may be a sign of something more serious. Look out for these red-flag symptoms:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Anaemia (low iron or blood count)
• Changes in bowel habits
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Increased frequency of urination

If you were assigned female at birth and have ovaries, it’s also essential to rule out ovarian cancer if you’re experiencing ongoing bloating. Your GP can arrange a simple blood test.

What Causes Bloating and Distension?

These symptoms are complex and may be caused by:

• Slower movement of gas or food through the gut
• Difficulty releasing gas
• Bacterial fermentation in the digestive system
• Miscommunication between the brain and the gut
• Muscle reflex issues involving the diaphragm and abdominal wall

In some individuals, the abdominal muscles and diaphragm respond abnormally to changes in gut pressure, causing the belly to protrude outward and resulting in visible bloating.

How Are They Diagnosed?

There are certain foods that can be tested to see if they are causing your bloating, as it’s based on how you feel. Distension, however, can sometimes be measured by waist size. Your GP may recommend blood tests or scans to rule out other conditions.

To be diagnosed with functional bloating, symptoms must persist for at least three months, and other medical causes must be ruled out.

What Can Help? Treatment Options

Treatment will depend on what’s causing your symptoms. At Check My Wellbeing, we always recommend speaking to your GP or a qualified dietitian before making changes. Here are some common ways people manage bloating and distension:

1. Medicines

Simethicone

It helps combine small gas bubbles into larger ones, making it easier to release wind. Always check if it’s safe for you, especially if you take Levothyroxine.

Peppermint oil capsules

It can ease symptoms when taken before meals. Not suitable for everyone – speak to your GP if you also experience heartburn or acid reflux.

2. Dietary Changes

Simple tips to try:

• Avoid gas-producing foods, such as beans, pulses, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.
• Cut back on sugar-free gums and sweets containing polyols (e.g., sorbitol, mannitol).
• Add oats and linseeds to your daily routine (1 tablespoon with water daily).

For individuals with IBS, a Low FODMAP diet may be beneficial. This structured approach eliminates certain food types and then reintroduces them gradually to identify your triggers. It should always be done with support from a registered dietitian.

3. Enzymes and Supplements

Alpha-galactosidase

• It is found in some over-the-counter digestive aids. It helps break down gas-producing foods, such as beans and pulses.

Probiotics

• It can be helpful for some people with IBS. Choose one product, take it as directed for at least 8 weeks, and monitor your progress.

4. Biofeedback Therapy

This specialist treatment trains your body to manage abdominal muscle responses more effectively. It can reduce symptoms by half for some people, though availability may vary. Ask your GP about a referral.

How to Check My Wellbeing Can Support You

Your health begins with understanding bloating and distension. If you’re struggling with bloating or digestive discomfort, we can guide you toward solutions that fit your lifestyle, whether it’s support with diet, stress management, or getting the proper tests through your GP.

Questions to Ask Your GP

• Could my bloating be a sign of another condition?
• Are any tests needed?
• What treatment options could help me?
• Can I be referred for biofeedback training?

For more guidance, tools, and downloadable resources, visit our website at Check My Wellbeing, where we break down complex health issues and help you feel more in control.