Doctor, I Have Abdominal Bloating
Patient: “Doctor, I’m suffering from abdominal bloating for a while. In spite of trying different treatments from various doctors, it’s not improving. Can you help me understand the issue?”
Doctor: “Absolutely. Let’s get into the details of your eating habits and lifestyle to get a clearer picture. Can you describe your bloating episodes? When did they start? When do they occur, and how long do they last?”
Patient: “I have this for about a year, it usually happens after meals, and sometimes it lasts several hours. It’s uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing.”
Doctor: “Do you notice abdominal bloating more after eating any specific types of food?”
Patient: “Yes, especially after heavy meals or when I eat quickly. I love Indian cuisine, but dishes like rajma, chana, any type of dals and certain types of roti seem to make it worse.”
Doctor: “Indian cuisine is rich and diverse but can include ingredients that lead to gas formation. Foods like beans (rajma), chickpeas (chana), lentils (dal), and some whole grains are known for causing gas due to their high fiber content. Even certain vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage and onions can contribute to it.”
Patient: “What about potatoes, can they cause bloating too? My friend says that he gets bloating only when he eats potato “
Doctor: “Yes. Potatoes and related vegetables are high in starch. When in eaten in large quantity, they can cause bloating too. Please ask your friend to learn about FODMAPs and avoid them.”
Patient: “Is this abdominal bloating sensation same as gastritis?”
Doctor: “No. Gastritis involves inflammation of the stomach lining, often causing pain, which might be confused with the discomfort of gas. Gas, on the other hand, is caused by the digestion or fermentation of food, leading to bloating and discomfort. They are different.”
Patient: “Oh, okay. How can I reduce this bloating?”
Doctor: “Modifying your diet is a good start. Reducing intake of known gas-causing foods that I mentioned earlier might help. Eating slowly and mindfully can also aid digestion and reduce air swallowing, which is aerophagia.”
Patient: “Aerophagia? What’s that?”
Doctor: “Aerophagia is the excessive swallowing of air, often happening without our knowledge, especially when eating quickly or if we are talking while eating. We also tend to swallow air with saliva frequently when we are very anxious. It can result in significant bloating and discomfort.”
Patient: “I see. Besides changing my diet, are there other non-medical ways to manage this?”
Doctor: “Certainly. Regular physical activity, like walking or yoga, can improve the process of digestion and reduce bloating. Brisk walking is especially helpful. Stress management techniques are also beneficial. Practices like meditation can decrease the likelihood of aerophagia, which is often stress-related.”
Patient: “And what about medications?”
Doctor: “Medications are an option, but I suggest trying these lifestyle changes first. If bloating persists, over-the-counter remedies like simethicone can help relieve gas. Prescription medications are there as a last resort, but many people find relief with lifestyle adjustments alone.”
Patient: “That’s reassuring. I appreciate this detailed advice.”
Doctor: “You’re welcome. It’s essential to approach such issues systematically. Let’s schedule a follow-up in about four weeks to assess your progress. Keeping a food diary in the meantime will help identify other potential triggers.”
Patient: “Thank you, Doctor. This conversation has been very helpful.”
Doctor: “You are welcome. It is important to have these discussions. Understanding your condition and the impact of lifestyle choices is key to managing it effectively.”
This article is part of the Honest Conversations series: Explore the articles from this series:
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- Doctor, I Have Abdominal Bloating
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