Persistent Abdominal Distension
At 25 years old, I find myself grappling with persistent abdominal distention. My lifestyle is quite active, and I maintain a well-rounded diet, albeit without consuming excessive fiber. Previously, I encountered bloating mainly after meals or due to occasional constipation; however, over the last few months, this sensation has shifted to a daily occurrence. Even on days when my digestive system seems to function normally, and I do not experience gas or any form of discomfort, my abdomen remains inflated. This condition does not exhibit significant variation throughout the day, as the bloating is consistently noticeable, even first thing in the morning. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts on potential causes or suggestions for remedies. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 10:00:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent abdominal distension can be concerning, particularly when it becomes a daily issue. It might arise from several factors, including dietary choices, digestive function, or even stress. I understand this can be frustrating, especially since it doesn’t vary much and you maintain an active lifestyle.
Explanation:
-
Dietary Factors: Even if you have a balanced diet, certain foods can contribute to bloating. Consider whether you're consuming foods that are known to cause gas, such as beans, carbonated drinks, or dairy, especially if lactose intolerant.
-
Gut Health: Sometimes, an imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to persistent bloating. Conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can lead to chronic distension and should be considered.
-
Non-Digestive Causes: Stress and anxiety can also impact your gut health, leading to bloating and discomfort.
Next Steps:
-
Diet Diary: Start a food diary to track what you eat and any connection to bloating. Note your meals, specific symptoms, and any other changes in your lifestyle. This will help identify triggers.
-
Adjust Your Diet: Gradually try eliminating common gas-producing foods (like beans, certain vegetables like broccoli, carbonated beverages, and dairy) for a couple of weeks to see if symptoms improve.
-
Increase Fiber Gradually: While you mentioned not consuming excessive fiber, consider slowly incorporating soluble fiber (found in oats, fruits) which can help regulate digestion without exacerbating bloating.
-
Stay Hydrated: Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to support digestion and help with regularity.
-
Practice Relaxation Techniques: If stress is suspected, try mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga to promote relaxation and potentially improve digestive function.
-
Monitor Symptoms: If the distension persists after making dietary changes for a few weeks, or if you notice additional symptoms like severe pain, changes in bowel habits, or weight loss, consider having a deeper evaluation.
It’s great that you are attentive to your body, and these steps should help you gain insight into your symptoms. Let me know if you need any more help!
Related Questions
Advice Needed: Ongoing Nausea and Constipation Issues
I’m preparing for an upcoming consultation with a gastroenterologist in a few weeks and would appreciate suggestions on what else I might need to bring along to the visit. I'm a 27-year-old female who has been experiencing intermittent nausea every night for approximately nine months. It has flared up significantly recently, and the only medication that seems to provide relief is Zofran. Additionally, I've been struggling with significant constipation for the last three months. My stools have occasionally contained mucus and blood, which I suspect is due to hemorrhoids caused by straining. Over the past three to four months, I’ve lost around 10 pounds, dropping from 125 to 115. I’ve been diligently recording my symptoms, including their onset, intensity, and other relevant details. Could anyone share advice on what additional information or preparations would be beneficial for my appointment?
Should I Be Concerned About My Stomach Issues?
Age: 20, Female, dealing with endometriosis, and due for my next B12 shot. Last night was quite troubling, and I'm curious if I should be alarmed about it. I even considered dialing 111, the non-emergency number in the UK, which is something I rarely do. At approximately 2:30 AM, I was awakened by severe abdominal pain accompanied by nausea. I hurried to the bathroom, where I experienced both vomiting and diarrhea. As I attempted to get up to fetch some water, I felt extremely shaky, overheated, and dizzy. I ended up lying on the bathroom floor for about 30 minutes before I could move again, with bouts of vomiting occurring intermittently. Although the intense stomach pain diminished after about an hour, I continued to feel dizzy and nauseous. Eventually, I managed to get back to bed, sipping on some water all the while, but the nausea persisted, making it difficult to sleep. I don’t think I ate anything the previous day that would have led to food poisoning; I had consumed a prepackaged pizza I purchased earlier that day and a meal deal. This morning, I woke up still feeling nauseous and somewhat off, but thankfully, I'm nowhere near as bad as I was last night. Considering how difficult it is to secure a GP appointment these days, I'm hesitant to seek medical attention unless absolutely necessary. I'm just looking to find out if my situation warrants a visit to the doctor.
Constipation Concerns at 33 Weeks Pregnant
I’m a 28-year-old woman, and I’m currently 33 weeks into my pregnancy. I’ve dealt with ongoing constipation issues for some time, usually experiencing a bowel movement every three to four days. However, since becoming pregnant—and particularly after beginning a regimen of iron and prenatal vitamins—my constipation has become notably worse, especially now that I’m in the third trimester. Not long ago, after going nearly four days without a bowel movement, I finally managed to pass a large, hard stool, which required some straining. Following this, I noticed a small amount of bright red blood in the toilet, accompanied by swelling and discomfort in the anal area, which I presumed to be hemorrhoidal in nature. Just two days after that, I attempted to increase my fiber intake, which did lead to another bowel movement. This time, the stool was smaller, though still firm and clumpy. I didn’t have to strain significantly, but I once again observed a few drops of bright red blood in the toilet. The bleeding occurs solely during these bowel movements and ceases afterward. Here’s some additional information regarding my situation: - I am taking iron along with my prenatal vitamins. - My stools have been dark since I started the iron supplements. - I am not experiencing any abdominal pain, weight loss, dizziness, or weakness. - A recent complete blood count (CBC) showed normal results, indicating no anemia. - There is no family history of colorectal cancer. With this in mind, I have a few questions: 1. Based on my symptoms, does it seem that hemorrhoids or constipation-related rectal bleeding is the most likely cause of the bleeding, especially since it persists with firm stools? 2. When would it be advisable to pursue further assessment beyond standard conservative care during pregnancy? 3. Are there safe strategies for pregnancy that you would suggest to help prevent further episodes of rectal bleeding due to constipation? Thank you for your assistance!
Cymbalta and PPI Interaction Concerns
Greetings everyone, I am a 29-year-old male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds. Recently, after experiencing what seems to be Gastritis, I found myself in the emergency room and was prescribed Pantoprazole and hyoscyamine. I'm currently awaiting an appointment with a gastroenterologist to get a definitive diagnosis. For the past four years, I have been taking 30 mg of Cymbalta consistently without experiencing any side effects. However, just this morning, after taking my Cymbalta along with the PPI and hyoscyamine, I encountered nearly every adverse reaction associated with the medication, including dizziness, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, overstimulation, and drowsiness. It’s worth noting that hyoscyamine may also contribute to some of these symptoms, as I've felt unusually anxious and mentally disoriented on a few occasions after taking it. I’ve read that proton pump inhibitors can impact how well other medications are absorbed. Would adjusting the timing of my Cymbalta intake potentially alleviate these side effects? I truly wish to avoid this experience again, so I would appreciate any recommendations for alternative treatments for gastritis that I could bring up with my physician. Here’s a complete list of my medications: - Duloxetine 30mg, once daily - Pantoprazole 20mg, once daily - Hyoscyamine 0.125mg, as needed
Will Amoxicillin Harm My Stomach?
A 23-year-old woman standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 260 pounds is grappling with the effects of taking antibiotics due to two tooth abscesses while managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Complicating her situation further, she also experiences emetophobia and uses marijuana. Unsure of how these factors might influence her health, she has read accounts suggesting that people who take amoxicillin often feel significantly different afterward. Additionally, being lactose intolerant prevents her from consuming regular yogurt, prompting her to inquire whether dairy-free yogurt could be a viable alternative.