Do you need to see a Doctor for Bloating, Gas, and Pain?

Feeling bloated now and then is a common experience. Your stomach may feel stretched, tight, and uncomfortable, especially after a heavy meal or after consuming excessive junk food. Burping and passing gas are normal bodily functions that help release excess air from the digestive system. In fact, most individuals pass gas between 15 to 21 times a day.

However, if bloating, gas, or abdominal pain becomes frequent and persistent, it may indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention. When gas doesn’t move efficiently through the digestive system, it can lead to significant discomfort. Understanding the root cause of these symptoms is the first step toward finding relief.

Below are some potential reasons for excessive bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, along with signs that it’s time to consult a doctor.

Common Causes of Bloating, Gas, and Pain

1. Dietary Triggers

The way you consume food can influence how much air enters your digestive tract. The following habits may lead to excessive air intake:

• Talking while eating

• Eating or drinking too quickly

• Consuming carbonated beverages

• Drinking through a straw

• Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy

• Wearing ill-fitting dentures

Additionally, certain foods tend to produce more gas than others. Common culprits include:

• Beans

• Broccoli

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Lentils

• Onions

• Brussels sprouts

Food intolerances can also contribute to bloating and discomfort. Some people have trouble digesting:

• Artificial sweeteners (mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol)

• Fiber supplements

• Gluten

• Fructose

• Lactose

If you suspect that certain foods are causing issues, maintaining a food diary can help pinpoint the problem. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor for proper evaluation and guidance.

2. Constipation

Constipation is another common cause of bloating and discomfort. If you haven’t had a bowel movement in a while, gas and stool can accumulate, leading to increased abdominal pressure. 

Occasional constipation is normal, but if it becomes chronic, you may need to:

• Increase fiber intake

• Drink more water

• Use over-the-counter laxatives if necessary

If constipation occurs frequently, a doctor can help identify the cause and suggest appropriate treatments.

3. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

EPI occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to difficulty in nutrient absorption. Symptoms of EPI include:

• Excessive gas and bloating

• Light-coloured stools

• Greasy, foul-smelling stools

• Stools that float or stick to the toilet bowl

• Unintentional weight loss

• Malnutrition

Managing EPI often involves dietary modifications, lifestyle adjustments, and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a chronic condition affecting the large intestine and can cause:

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Bloating

• Diarrhea or constipation (or alternating episodes of both)

Also known as spastic colon or nervous colon, IBS can be managed through lifestyle changes, probiotics, and medications tailored to individual symptoms.

5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is an umbrella term that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, both of which cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Symptoms may include:

• Chronic bloating and abdominal pain

• Bloody stools

• Persistent fatigue

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

• Severe diarrhoea

• Unintentional weight loss

Treatment options range from anti-inflammatory medications to dietary modifications and, in severe cases, surgical intervention.

6. Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches form in the colon’s wall. If these pouches become inflamed or infected, it results in diverticulitis, which can cause:

• Abdominal tenderness

• Constipation or diarrhoea

• Fever

• Nausea and vomiting

Depending on the severity, treatment may include antibiotics, dietary adjustments, or surgery in extreme cases.

7. Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach empties too slowly, leading to bloating, nausea, and possible bowel obstruction. Treatment strategies may include dietary changes, medications, or, in some cases, surgical interventions.

When to See a Doctor

Mild bloating and gas don’t usually require medical intervention. However, it’s crucial to seek medical advice if:

• Over-the-counter remedies and dietary adjustments don’t provide relief

• Unexplained weight loss occurs

• Appetite significantly decreases

• Chronic constipation, diarrhoea, or vomiting persist

• Persistent bloating, gas, or heartburn becomes problematic

• Blood or mucus appears in stools

• Major changes in bowel habits develop

• Symptoms begin interfering with daily life

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• Severe abdominal pain

• Persistent or extreme diarrhoea

• Chest pain

• High fever

Your doctor will likely begin with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Describing your symptoms accurately and their duration can assist in diagnosing the underlying issue. Based on the findings, further diagnostic tests may be recommended.

Ayurvedic Approach to Digestive Health

Ayurveda, the ancient system of holistic healing, offers natural solutions for digestive issues, including bloating and gas. According to Ayurveda, poor digestion results from an imbalance in the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). To restore balance and improve digestion, Ayurveda recommends:

• Consuming warm, easily digestible foods

• Drinking herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, and fennel

• Avoiding processed and heavy foods

• Practicing mindful eating (chewing thoroughly, eating slowly)

• Incorporating digestive herbs like triphala, ajwain, and hing

Preserva Wellness Solutions for Digestive Health

Preserva Wellness offers Ayurvedic products that can help manage bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort naturally:

• Daily Diagemax Tea: A herbal digestive tea with Fennel, Ginger, Curcumin 95%, Jeera, Cinnamon, Coriander, and Mint. This vegan, chemical-free tea supports digestive health, relieves bloating, gas, and indigestion, and can be consumed daily for natural constipation relief.

• Diagemax Juice: A vegan supplement formulated to relieve acidity, heartburn, and constipation. Made with Aloe Vera, Guava, and Curcumin 95%, this juice promotes gut health, reduces digestive discomfort, and acts as a natural antacid for stomach pain relief.

• Celiacgold Juice: A vegan colon cleanser that provides relief from bloating and constipation. It contains Aloe Vera for IBS relief, Wheatgrass, and Curcumin 95%, offering plant-based proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support digestion and reduce intestinal inflammation.

By incorporating Ayurveda and trusted herbal formulations into your daily routine, you can effectively manage digestive concerns while improving your overall well-being. If symptoms persist, consulting a healthcare provider remains the best course of action for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.