What Causes Bloating and How to Avoid It
Intestinal bloating is very common in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), affecting approximately 75-90 percent of sufferers. This bloating may be associated with distension of the abdomen, however a person may suffer from intestinal bloating without having tummy distention. The bloating may be mild but, in many IBS sufferers, it is frequently reported as moderate to severe.
Bloating can significantly affect quality of life, causing discomfort, pain, tight clothing, flatulence and social distress. For some, this is enough to withdraw from activities and social functions.
Currently, there is no magic solution to treat bloating in IBS. Instead, sufferers are encouraged to identify and avoid the factors that trigger bloating in themselves. Some preventative strategies include:
1. Keep a Food Diary
Record symptoms relative to food intake, mood and activities to determine what makes bloating better or worse. There are several apps for mobile phones and tablets that can help you with this.
It can be tough to know how best to proceed during an IBS flare-up, but these methods can help calm your stomach, and make the pain much more manageable.
