Swollen stomach: main causes and what to do

The feeling of bloated stomach can be related to several factors, but mainly with poor digestion, intolerance to some foods and excess of gases. However, swelling of the stomach can indicate infections by parasites or bacteria, such as H. pylori , for example, and should be treated.

The bloated stomach does not usually represent serious health problems, but it is important that the cause is identified so that eating habits can be changed or treatment started with medications, for example, to relieve bloating, as it can be quite uncomfortable.

What can be the bloated stomach

The bloated stomach can happen due to several situations, the main ones being:

1. Excess gases

Excessive gas can result in abdominal discomfort and bloating, general discomfort and even a bloated stomach. The increase in gas production is usually related to people's habits, such as not practicing physical activities, consuming many carbonated drinks and foods that are difficult to digest, such as cabbage, broccoli, beans and potatoes, for example. Check out some habits that increase gas production.

What to do: The best way to combat excessive gas production and thus relieve symptoms is by adopting healthier habits, such as regular physical activity and a lighter diet. See some natural and effective ways to eliminate intestinal gases.

2. Food intolerance

Some people may have an intolerance to some type of food, which results in the body's difficulty in digesting that food and leading to symptoms such as excessive gas, abdominal pain, nausea and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, for example. See what are the symptoms of food intolerance.

What to do: If it is noticed that after the consumption of certain foods the symptoms appear, it is important to go to the gastroenterologist to confirm the intolerance, in addition to the recommendation to avoid the consumption of the foods that trigger the symptoms.

3. Infections

Some infections can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, such as parasite infections. Some parasites can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and a bloated stomach, for example. See what the symptoms of worms are.

In addition to worm infection, yeast and bacterial infections can also result in the feeling of a bloated stomach. An example is infection by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can be present in the stomach and lead to the formation of ulcers, constant heartburn, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and excess intestinal gas. Know the symptoms of H. pylori in the stomach.

What to do: It is important to go to the gastroenterologist to have tests done to check the cause of the infection and, thus, establish the best form of treatment. In the case of parasite infection, the use of Albendazole or Mebendazole may be recommended, and should be used according to the doctor's guidance.

In the case of infection by H. pylori , the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics associated with gastric protective drugs, in addition to recommending a visit to a nutritionist so that the person can follow an adequate diet. Find out how H. pylori is treated .

4. Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia corresponds to the slow and difficult digestion of foods that may be related to the consumption of irritating foods, such as coffee, soft drinks, very spicy or spicy foods, emotional situations, such as stress, anxiety or depression, and the use of some medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen, corticosteroids or antibiotics. Dyspepsia can also be related to the presence of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

What to do: The treatment for dyspepsia is done with the objective of relieving the symptoms, it is recommended to change the eating habits, and the person should eat lighter and more nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables and lean meats, for example.

In case it is caused by Helicobacter pylori, the gastroenterologist will establish the most suitable treatment for eliminating the bacteria.

5. Eating too fast

Eating too fast and chewing too little prevents the stomach from sending signals to the brain that it is full, which causes the person to eat more, resulting not only in weight gain, but also in the feeling of a full and bloated stomach, bad digestion and heartburn.

In addition, the lack of chewing prevents food from being properly digested in the stomach, causing intestinal transit to slow down, causing constipation, belching and gas, for example.

What to do: If the bloated stomach is related to eating too fast, it is important that the person pay attention to what they are eating, eat the meal in a quiet and quiet environment, chew the food 20 to 30 times and stop between each mouthful, preferably leaving the cutlery on the plate, so you can see if you are satisfied or not.

6. Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that can affect any part of the stomach and causes symptoms such as constant heartburn, nausea, vomiting, weakness, weight loss for no apparent reason, decreased appetite and a feeling of full and swollen stomach, especially after meals, and swelling of the left supraclavicular ganglion, also called Virchow's ganglion, which is very suggestive of gastric cancer. Know the symptoms of stomach cancer.

What to do: Treatment for stomach cancer is done with chemo or radiotherapy and, depending on the severity, size and location of the tumor in the stomach, it may be necessary to perform surgical removal of part or all of the organ. In addition, it is important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise to prevent disease progression.

When to go to the doctor

Although it is not severe most of the time, it is important to go to the gastroenterologist to check the cause of the stomach swelling and, thus, the best treatment can be defined. In addition, it is essential to go to the doctor if:

• The swelling is persistent; Other symptoms occur, such as diarrhea, vomiting or bleeding; There is weight loss without an apparent cause; The symptoms do not subside after the treatment prescribed by the doctor.

If the feeling of a bloated stomach is related to problems related to food, the gastroenterologist may recommend going to a nutritionist so that the person has guidance on their eating habits.

If it is related to infections, the doctor may recommend the use of antiparasitic drugs or antibiotics according to the infectious agent identified, in addition to the use of gastric protective drugs, such as Omeprazole or Pantoprazole, for example.