Abdominal bloating can be incredibly debilitating and have a great impact on a person’s quality of life. It is a common feature of irritable bowel syndrome. Fortunately, bloating by itself is rarely associated with a serious underlying illness. Investigations are usually performed to help identify any underlying conditions. Basic investigations include blood tests and stool tests (e.g. Faecal calprotectin, a marker for bowel inflammation). Less frequently, endoscopic investigations may be required to further investigate symptoms.
Treatment options vary depending on a person’s symptoms and include:
- Dietary (e.g. the low FODMAP diet) & lifestyle changes
- Medications
- Psychological support
If you are concerned about abdominal bloating, you can book a consultation with Dr Goel to discuss investigation and treatment options best suited to you.