What's Causing Your Persistent Bloating?

It's not unusual for people to experience bloating from time to time. If, for example, you feel bloated after a large meal or after eating a lot of salt, this is not a cause for alarm. However, if you are persistently bloated or feel bloated more often than not, then something more sinister may be at play. Here are some possible causes of your persistent stomach bloating.

SIBO

SIBO stands for small intestine bacterial overgrowth. As the name suggests, this is an over-proliferation of bacteria in the small intestine. Symptoms include bloating, uncomfortable gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. You may notice that these symptoms become worse after you eat certain foods such as dairy, starchy veggies, and sugary foods. Your doctor can diagnose SIBO with a test that measures the levels of methane in your breath. If you do have SIBO, then treatment will often include oral antibiotics and a modified diet. 

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a chronic condition in which your intestinal lining becomes inflamed and irritated when it comes into contact with gluten. Since gluten is found in so many different foods, including any foods that contain wheat, most people who have celiac and do not know it are constantly exposing their intestines to the very thing that's irritating them. This leads to persistent bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue. If you are diagnosed with celiac disease, adhering to a gluten-free diet should clear up your symptoms. A dietitian can help you develop a healthy, gluten-free diet that suits your nutritional and lifestyle needs.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its own large intestinal lining. This leads not only to bloating but to serious bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Crohn's disease can be treated with steroids and a modified diet. Some patients benefit from taking immunosuppressant drugs, too. Crohn's is a chronic condition, so even with treatment, it will never fully go away. However, following your doctor's recommended treatment protocol can certainly help keep your symptoms under control. Once you learn your trigger foods, you can avoid them and mostly avoid flare-ups.

If you feel bloated more often than not, don't ignore it. The symptom could be a glaring indication that something's not right in your digestive tract. The diagnoses above are some of the most likely explanations, but your doctor may also test you for other conditions in order to pin down an explanation.