5 Causes of Bloating in Women 

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Every woman has experienced that uncomfortable swollen feeling of a distended stomach at one time or another. It may be accompanied by a feeling of discomfort bordering on pain, flatulence, and belching. While it could be caused by something as simple as eating too much too fast, there are many other reasons for bloating in women. We look at five conditions you should pay attention to.

Lactose Intolerance

An enzyme in the small intestine is responsible for digesting lactose, the primary sugar found in milk. If it occurs between five and 21 years old, the cause is genetic. If it appears later, it could indicate an underlying condition, such as Coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease. If this is ruled out, lactose intolerance can be managed by avoiding dairy products altogether or consuming them with supplements that digest lactose. 

Ectopic Pregnancy

A woman may suspect an ectopic pregnancy when she has missed a period, has some vaginal bleeding, and has abdominal pain. Only half of women with an ectopic pregnancy have all these symptoms. The fertilised egg is implanted outside the uterus with no room to grow. The zygote is usually located in one of the fallopian tubes, in which case it may also be called a tubal pregnancy. This is a medical emergency as the fallopian tube can rupture and cause internal bleeding. Surgery is required, although, in the very early stages, methotrexate can be given to terminate the pregnancy. 

Appendicitis

Pain is the key symptom, but it can present in several ways. Sometimes the pain starts at the navel and moves to the lower abdomen on the right, which is the location of the appendix, or else it begins and stays here. If you move suddenly, cough, sneeze, or walk and pain comes on or intensifies, this is also a sign of appendicitis. An emergency operation to remove the appendix is required if it has ruptured. There are multiple conditions that mimic appendicitis

Liver Disease 

The liver is the largest internal organ in the body and is responsible for many unique functions. As well as removing impurities from the body, the liver stores essential substances to build cells. The main symptoms of liver disease are abdominal swelling with or without pain, jaundice, fatigue, and confusion. Bruising and frequent bleeds may occur if the liver is unable to produce clotting enzymes. The liver may not produce sufficient proteins, causing muscles to waste away, weight loss, and shortness of breath. Treatment depends on the cause. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a condition that involves poor gut health of the large intestine. Symptoms may have been present for a while before diagnosis and include a bloated abdomen that may be associated with cramping and pain, and changes in the frequency and consistency of bowel movements. While not life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable and reduce your enjoyment of life. 

If you want to know how to reset digestive system with IBS, try sticking to whole grains, eating lentils, beans, and pulses, having five vegetable helpings daily, taking prebiotics and probiotics, and chewing small mouthfuls slowly. Here are more methods on how to deal with IBS bloating

Abdominal bloating can indicate a serious condition and should not be ignored. 

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