Abdominal Bloating Treatment

Any abnormal, general swelling in the abdominal area is normally called as abdominal bloating. A full or tight abdomen is a symptom of abdominal bloating. There are many causes of bloating, hence, abdominal bloating treatment varies according to the cause. Before we turn towards treatment for abdominal bloating, let us see what are the causes of abdominal bloating.

Abdominal Bloating Causes
Normally, intestinal gas causes bloating, leading to discomfort and pain. Abdominal bloating and pain is usually localized to the pelvic area. However, if a person has a chronic problem of abdominal bloating, he can experience pain in the chest, sides, etc. Some of the abdominal bloating causes are:

• Premenstrual Syndrome: Women, who are in the menstruating age, often suffer from abdominal bloating before the onset of their menstrual cycle, also known as premenstrual syndrome.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The next common cause of abdominal bloating is irritable bowel syndrome.
• Constipation: Constipation is the cause of bloating in a number of people. Reduced number of bowel movements cause constipation, which in turn causes bloating.
• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption also causes abdominal bloating.
• Excessive Salt Intake: Excessive or high intake of salt leads to water retention, which causes abdominal bloating.
• Less Protein Consumption: Very few people are aware of the fact, that less consumption of protein can also cause abdominal bloating.
• Lactose Intolerance: A number of people around the world are lactose intolerant. Consumption of lactose gives rise to abdominal bloating in such people. Read more on the lactose intolerance symptoms, here.
• Food Allergy: If a person is allergic to any food item, it can cause abdominal bloating in them.
• Flatulence or Gas and Indigestion: Flatulence is one of the most common causes of abdominal bloating. This problem with the digestive system can also give rise to abdominal bloating. Read on excessive gas and bloating.
• Partial Bowel Obstruction: Blockage in any part of the intestine will make it difficult for food to pass through, leading to bloating. For more information on bloated stomach causes, click here.

Abdominal Bloating Treatment
There are some food items which are said to cause gas and flatulence. Avoiding these food items will help in getting rid of gas and flatulence. These foods items may not affect every one a similar way. Here is a list of 'to be avoided' food items:

• Cauliflowers
• Cabbages
• Broccoli
• Potatoes
• Corn
• Asparagus
• Wheat
• Beans and Legumes

People that are lactose intolerant, need to avoid food items that contain milk, like ice creams, cheese, etc. Although this not always a practical option, you can opt for lactose free food, whenever possible. Read more on how to reduce bloating.

A hot bath or a heating pad may help in relieving you of the abdominal bloating discomfort. A brisk walk or some form of exercise can help in relieving gas. Even if a walk or exercise, is not able to rid you of the gas, you can try lying on your left side with your legs pulled up to your chest. This will create tension on the abdomen and relieve you of gas and its discomfort as well. Here's more information on the remedies for bloating.

If bloating is caused by irritable bowel syndrome, the use of the herb 'fennel', can be useful. Fennel tea is said to work wonders on both bloating as well as gas. There are anti-gas as well as antispasmodic properties in fennel. One other remedy to treat irritable bowel syndrome is to increase the consumption of soluble fiber. Husk, oatmeal, bran, etc. are some of the options, that can be of use. Carbonated drinks are also the culprits when it comes to irritable bowel syndrome. Therefore, people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome need to eliminate carbonated drinks from their diet.

Many people are unaware of this, but chewing a gum causes a lot of air to be swallowed. Hence, if a person is susceptible to bloating, he should decrease his habit of chewing on a gum. Artificial sweeteners also cause bloating, therefore, their use should be restricted to a bare minimum.

If you suffer from bloating, it is advisable to divide your three big meals into six small meals. At the same time, it is important to eat your meals at a slower pace. The better you chew, the easier it becomes for digestion and this reduces the chances of bloating.

For more information on abdominal bloating, have a look at the following:

• Bloated Stomach Symptoms
• Stomach Pain and Bloating

The best abdominal bloating treatment is to make the necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle. Regular exercise helps in keeping bloating and constipation at its lowest. Make sure you consume sufficient amount of water everyday. In case abdominal bloating become a regular feature, you may need to go to your health care professional for a proper abdominal bloating treatment.