I feel bloated

I am a 45-year-old woman. I usually feel bloated especially in the morning hours. Please, what can I do.

Veronica (by SMS)

Causes of abdominal bloating can include gas and fluid retention, indigestion, food intolerances, constipation, menstrual symptoms, and infections. People can often treat bloating at home, but some causes may need medical attention. Bloating can usually be safely treated at home by using lifestyle changes, home remedies, or over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Keeping a food diary to monitor bloating is helpful as this aids with diagnosing food intolerances and making healthy lifestyle changes. Many people find that avoiding certain foods prevents bloating and other gastrointestinal health issues. Some lifestyle changes can help such as; increased water intake, reduction of salt in the diet, elimination of foods that cause bloating, chewing food slowly, avoidance of chewing gum and regular exercise.

Rarely, bloating is a sign of something more serious. However, the individual should see a doctor when the above efforts fail, or the individual develops signs such as; intense pain, a fever, vomiting that lasts longer than 24 hours, difficulty keeping food down, bloody stools, a physical injury, such as a punch to the stomach or a car accident, as well as a rapid swelling of the abdomen.

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