Belly Bloating
Since the beginning of the pandemic and being in quarantine, many people have been suffering from “pandemic stomach” and antacids are flying off the shelves. The holidays can also lead to many people feeling bloated and uncomfortable from overeating. Bloating is accompanied with pain, gas, burping, and abdominal gurgling. Abdominal bloating can be due to many different issues such as eating or drinking too fast, chewing gum, smoking, and loose dentures.
Medical causes of abdominal bloating include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or UC
- Food sensitivity
- Heartburn
- Weight gain
- Hormonal changes
- Parasitic infections
- Stress
Stress
Stress can greatly affect the gastrointestinal system. There is a connection between the brain and the nervous system in the gut. In times of stress, the brain can send signals to the gut and cause it to act differently or become more sensitive. Stress can play a role in reflux and make those suffering with reflux to become more sensitive
Tips:
- Avoid food triggers
- Sleep on an Incline
- Practice deep breathing
- Perform belly massages
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Abdominal bloating and discomfort can be associated with issues such as constipation. Gentle manual therapy techniques, such as visceral manipulation and manual lymphatic drainage, can help to improve organ function, improve bowel movements, and decrease bloat and discomfort.
References:
2. https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2020/12/30/antacids-acid-reflux-gerd
