Upper abdominal bloating can be caused by intestinal fluid and gas buildup, indigestion, water retention, menstruation, aerophagia, food poisoning, and digestive disorders. Remedies include over-the-counter medications, essential oils, and diuretics.
Upper abdominal bloating is typically caused by the buildup of intestinal fluid and gas. It is characterized by a painful or uncomfortable feeling of tightness in the upper abdomen. Bloating can be a symptom of underlying digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, dumping syndrome, and gastroparesis. Other possible causes are menstruation, food poisoning and food allergies.
Indigestion causes large amounts of gas to build up in the intestines, which in turn causes bloating. Similarly, factors that trigger or contribute to intestinal gas production are also often causes of upper abdominal bloating. These factors can include food allergies, lactose intolerance and constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome, gastric dumping syndrome, and conditions related to improper digestion also cause intestinal bloating.
Bloating can also be caused by water retention. This can occur when a person consumes excess salt. People with a high salt intake are at a higher risk of bloating because salt attracts water. This can be alleviated by using diuretics, water tablets and minimizing salt in the diet.
Some women experience swelling in the upper abdomen during menstruation. During menstruation, chemicals are released that can cause the intestinal wall to contract, resulting in swelling. The presence of visceral fat can also cause cramping during menstrual periods. These muscle cramps can block the intestines and can cause gas to build up, leading to bloating.
Aerophagia, or swallowing air, also causes upper abdominal bloating. This happens when air enters the digestive tract. Since it can’t be passed out through the esophagus, it gets trapped in the intestines. Aerophagia is a major cause of chronic bloating. People who regularly consume alcohol, smoke, or have poorly fitting dentures are more likely to suffer from aerophagia.
Other causes of upper bloating include functional dyspepsia and food poisoning. The results of food poisoning can cause bloating and other symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. This usually happens when a person consumes food that is contaminated with bacteria. Germs are attacked by the body’s immune system in the digestive system, and this process will often leave behind gaseous waste that causes bloating.
Upper abdominal bloating can often be treated with simple remedies. There are many over-the-counter medications that can help relieve swelling. Rosemary, cypress, and lavender oils are generally effective and can be used in the form of mouthwashes, inhalants, and vaporizers; alternatively they can also be used as compresses and for massages. Another remedy for swelling is dong quai, an oil with a diuretic effect. A tincture of dandelion can also help prevent fluid retention and therefore be helpful when battling bloating.
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