Abdominal Bloating and IBS
Abdominal bloating is one of the number one symptoms of IBS. Bloating is a feeling of pressure, whereas distension is an actual increase in the size of the abdomen.
A certain level of abdominal bloating is normal, but for those of us who have IBS the level of abdominal bloating can be debilitating. Gases like methane and hydrogen are created when we digest foods.
There are several reasons for abdominal bloating including swallowing air, trapped gas, problems with tolerating carbohydrates, and finally an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Certain foods cause more gas and abdominal bloating than others. In addition, gut bacterial overgrowth could be wreaking havoc in the sensitive intestines of a person with IBS.
Abdominal bloated can be controlled somewhat by abdominal massage. If you suffer from abdominal bloating, excessive gas, stomach gurling or a distended stomach see your family doctor or a gastrogenterologist. Some gastroenterologists can perform a hydrogen breadth test to see if the cause of abdominal bloating might be from bacterial overgrowth.
Abdominal Bloating Caused by Pelvic & Abdominal Adhesions?
The National Institutes of Health states that abdominal adhesions are the primary cause of intestinal obstruction.
There are currently theories that pelvic adhesions called sigmoid adhesions cause abdominal bloating. Scar tissue wraps around the colon preventing material from passing through.
Adhesions are a type of scar that is formed in the tissue layers below the skin and above the fat.
Skin Rolling May Help Abdominal Bloating
One way to remove adhesions and decrease abdominal bloating is through a type of massage called skin rolling or myofacial release.Adhesions can be removed through pelvic floor physical therapy including deep breathing, pelvic exercise and abdominal massage.
Abdominal Bloating and SIBO: Too much bad gut bacteria!
SIBO is small intestine bacterial overgrowth and it is one of the causes of abdominal bloating. When there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, methane and hydrogen are produced, leading to abdominal bloating and flatulence.
If you suspect you have SIBO, find a place that performs the hydrogen breadth test (HBT). SIBO can be treated with antibiotics, such as Rifaximin. One other fact about SIBO and IBS is that food poisioning or travelers' diarrhea can develop in to IBS.
Where to get tested for SIBO:
Rush University Medical Center University Gastroenterologists
For more on SIBO read: A New IBS Solution by Mark A. Pimentel
To avoid abdominal bloating and gas follow a routine to monitor diet, medication, psychological and behavioral factors. Here are some suggestions. However, you should discuss this with your doctor.
Action Plan
- find out about the SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) test
- keep a food, feeling symptom journal
- eliminate foods that cause abdominal bloating and gas
- move - exercise regularly and use massage and warm abdominal compress
- practice regular stress reduction techniques like deep breathing and meditation & relaxation therapy
- consider cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), hypnotherapy, biofeedback or other therapies
- drink herbal teas
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