Bloating of the stomach and abdomen is usually a result of excess gas buildup in the large intestine (colon) that causes a distended abdomen.
The colon bends a lot, and when air (gas) gets trapped in the bends, it may cause bloating, cramps, or sharp pains.
10 Causes
Causes of bloating of the left side of the stomach and abdomen include:
- Swallowing air, which can happen while eating, drinking, or smoking
- Eating certain foods such as beans, dairy products, some fruits and vegetables, wheat, and carbonated beverages
- Taking fiber supplements
- Constipation
- Conditions that damage the digestive system
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gastroparesis
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Certain gynecological conditions
What Are Symptoms of Bloating of the Left Side of the Stomach?
The main symptoms of bloating of the left side of the stomach and abdomen include:
- Abdominal distention
- Feeling of fullness or heaviness in the stomach
- Gas (flatulence)
- Belching
See a doctor if the following symptoms accompany bloating:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
How Is Bloating of the Left Side of the Stomach Diagnosed?
The cause of bloating of the left side of the stomach and abdomen starts with a patient history and physical examination. Tests to help diagnose the cause of bloating of the left side of the stomach and abdomen may include:
- Blood tests
- Stool tests
- Breath test
- X-rays
- Upper endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Pelvic examination in females
How Do I Get Rid of Side Bloat?
Treatment for bloating of the left side of the stomach and abdomen depends on the cause and may include:
- Dietary changes
- Avoiding foods that cause gas and bloating
- A low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) diet may reduce symptoms of gas and IBS
- Eating more slowly
- Starting with a small amount of fiber supplement and gradually adding more so the body gets used to the extra fiber
- Lactase supplements to aid with digestion of dairy products such as Lactaid
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for bloating
- Simethicone (Maalox Anti-Gas, Mylanta Gas, Gas-X, or Phazyme) to help break up gas bubbles in the intestines
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to help ease gas
- Beano to help digest beans and some vegetables
- Digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease, or HCL to help relieve bloating
- Peppermint oil or peppermint tea may also help relieve bloating
- Prescription medications
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is treated with:
- Changes in diet and lifestyle
- Medications
- Probiotics
- Therapy
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https://www.uptodate.com/contents/gas-and-bloating-the-basics?search=Bloating&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/bloating-causes-and-prevention-tips
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=aa109116
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/peppermint-oil/
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/