Bloating is a common and annoying condition. It makes your stomach feel stuffed and your abdomen may feel swollen and tight. Your abdomen might actually look swollen too, or you might just have the sensation that it is. This is not usually a serious medical condition, but bloating can sometimes be a symptom of a medical problem, so if you experience the condition frequently, you might want to see a doctor. Here are some ways to deal with bloating.

Be Tested For Food Sensitivities

Certain foods might trigger the condition. You might have food allergies or a sensitivity to foods like wheat. Your doctor might recommend allergy testing, but if not, you may want to start by keeping a food diary. You don't necessarily have to be allergic to a food for it to give you gas or indigestion. Some foods are even known for causing gas. You might need to cut down on foods like cabbage or beans and work them into your diet gradually as you're able to tolerate them.

Consider Testing For A Medical Condition

You might expect you'll have bloating if you have a large meal of beans and rice, but if you seem to have the problem all the time no matter what you eat, talk to your doctor about being tested for irritable bowel syndrome or another digestive disease. Your doctor might consider bloating a symptom of a medical disorder if you also have symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloody stools, weight loss, or loss of appetite.

Change Your Lifestyle

Since bloating is caused by gas or air in your digestive tract, get to the source of the problem if possible. You might swallow air because you eat too fast. You might even have loose dentures that cause you to swallow air. You might need to limit carbonated beverages, chew your food longer, or even eat smaller amounts of food during a meal.

Try Medications

Some bloating is normal, so you don't necessarily have to eliminate every instance of the condition. If you have problems occasionally, your doctor might recommend an over-the-counter product that improves your digestion. For instance, you can buy enzyme products that help you digest beans and dairy. If you have more frequent issues, your doctor might try a prescription medication. Antibiotics are sometimes given if the gas is caused by bacterial overgrowth.

Bloating can often be managed through dietary and lifestyle changes, but it's good to talk to your doctor about the condition so they're aware of your problem and can look for other signs of an underlying medical condition.