Studies indicate that approximately 18% of the global population experiences bloating at least once a week. However, experiencing sudden bloating and gas isn’t something to shrug off.
Don’t ignore sudden gastrointestinal symptoms. Schedule a gastroenterology consultation with Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, in Manhattan’s Upper West Side in New York City to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and how to address it best. Dr. Seecoomar tailors a treatment that matches your needs and lifestyle.
Gas and bloating are common gastrointestinal concerns that affect nearly everyone at some point in their lifetime. While not necessarily a cause for concern, sudden gas and bloating may indicate an underlying problem that requires treatment.
Gas, or flatulence, is the release of intestinal gas through your rectum. It’s a natural process of digestion caused by the breakdown of food in the large intestine. But excessive, sudden, or painful gas could indicate a digestive problem.
Bloating is an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in your abdomen that can cause a visible enlargement of your midsection. While often harmless, sudden bloating could indicate an underlying medical condition.
Causes of gas and bloating that may need medical intervention include:
Bowel obstruction can affect either your small or large bowel, causing a blockage due to scar tissue, tumors, hernias, or other conditions. Constipation can also lead to bowel obstruction, which may become serious and even fatal in some cases.
Gastrointestinal disorders that can cause bloating and gas include diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and constipation. These conditions can cause bothersome or painful symptoms and lead to complications if left unaddressed.
Stomach or intestinal inflammation can cause indigestion, pain, burning, and aching. It might also lead to nausea and vomiting.
Bacterial infections, excess alcohol consumption, or peptic ulcers can contribute to uncomfortable inflammation, but treatment with Dr. Seecoommer offers relief.
Some forms of cancer can cause abdominal bloating and/or gas. Examples include colon, ovarian, uterine, stomach, and pancreatic cancers.
Cancer screenings with Dr. Seecoomar help detect dangerous cancers in their early stages when they’re easiest to treat.
If you have malabsorption, your body is unable to absorb essential nutrients effectively. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies (such as anemia), physical and mental fatigue, poor athletic performance, changes in hair and skin, gallstones, kidney stones, weakened bones, and other health issues.
Some causes of bloating involve fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity. This may occur because of liver disease, heart failure, kidney failure, or other conditions affecting your organs that require immediate medical attention.
Gas and bloating can develop if you have an intolerance to dairy, gluten, histamine, or other food components. While not necessarily a cause for concern, symptoms of food intolerances can be painful or debilitating in some instances. Dr. Seecoomar can help ease your discomfort.
Pancreatic insufficiency is a type of pancreatic dysfunction occurring when your pancreas doesn’t make enough digestive enzymes to aid in proper digestion, or the enzymes don’t work as designed. Enzyme replacement therapy, a healthy diet, and multivitamin supplements can relieve your symptoms and reduce the risk of malnutrition.
Bloating and gas don’t always mean there’s a problem. Hormone changes, overeating, eating certain foods, and recent weight gain can all contribute to non-alarming causes of gas and bloating.
Dr. Seecoomar completes a gastrointestinal evaluation to determine the root cause and if you need treatment to ease symptoms and prevent complications. He discusses your medical history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle, and may order blood tests, stool tests, imaging studies, colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, or other diagnostic tests.
Want to ease sudden gas and bloating and gain peace of mind? Schedule a visit today with Leslie F. Seecoomar, MD, PC, at 212-217-9961 or request an appointment online.
