One of the chief complaints from people with inflammatory bowel disease is abdominal bloating or distention. Bloating can be painful, embarrassing, and can limit wardrobe choices to elastic waistbands. Fortunately there are several ways to prevent bloating, or treat it if it does happen.
Bloating is largely caused by intestinal gas. Intestinal gas can result from eating gassy foods or swallowing air. Swallowing air while eating is often done unconsciously and may result in frequent belching during or after meals. To avoid swallowing air, slow down when eating, don't 'slurp' drinks, and don't talk while chewing. Also try to avoid chewing gum, hard candy, carbonated beverages such as soda pop, and drinking through straws.
A good way to prevent gas caused by foods is to avoid them or to eat them singly or in small portions. Every person is affected by foods differently, but foods that commonly cause gas are:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Corn
- Fructose
- Lactose
- Potatoes
- Sorbitol
- Wheat
Lactose intolerance may also contribute to abdominal bloating. Avoiding foods with milk, such as ice cream or cheese, can help the problem but is not always practical. Today there are several products in the marketplace which are lactose-free or can help lactose-intolerant people to digest lactose.
Once the bloating is already present there are a few different ways to treat it. Activated charcoal in tablet form taken before and after meals may help reduce gas and bloating. A heating pad or a hot bath may ease discomfort. Taking the supplement Beano when eating beans or legumes may help reduce gas from those foods.
To expel intestinal gas try a brisk walk or other form of exercise. Frequent exercise can help keep the intestines moving properly. If exercise fails, try laying quietly on your left side and bring your knees up to your chest. This position can sometimes help release trapped gas.
Over the counter gas relief remedies may also be effective, but be sure to read all the ingredients. Some brands contain sorbitol, a food additive which has been shown to irritate the digestive track and cause diarrhea, cramps, and pain.
If the abdomen is tender to the touch or hard, contact your physician to make sure that there is not a more serious underlying cause for the bloating. Although uncommon, bloating can also be caused by ovarian cancer and ascites.
