One Chronic Symptom So Many Possible Causes
Is bloating causing you anxiety or stress?
Then let’s talk about persistent bloating
... because chronic bloating is a warning sign you shouldn't ignore
Chronic bloating can have many causes that share bloating as a common symptom
Chronic bloating is ongoing, uncomfortable, painful, it is not like … I ate too much at the latest celebration food fest, and now I need to give my tummy a break …
Chronic bloating is more than an inconvenience, or an uncomfortable feeling, it can be pointing towards a more serious health condition that needs professional attention ... painful bloating could be indicative of an underlying health condition that seriously needs attending to ... bloating that has lasted for two weeks or longer ... is for sure ... an area of concern ...
At Higher Health Wellness Centre we regularly see all kinds of people who have one symptom in common ...
Persistent and painful bloating that needs to be taken seriously
Ongoing and chronic bloating is symptomatic for disease states such as
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Liver Disease
Diverticulitis
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Chron’s Disease
Bowel Obstruction
Several Different Cancers
... * Ovarian * Uterine * Pancreatic * Stomach *Colon * Bowel
Of course, the good news is that most people with bloating don’t have cancer, infection, or inflammation, though when in doubt with your gut, it is better to err on the side of caution and seek a professional opinion. Because, if you’re not sure whether your bloating is chronic or serious, it is safer to seek professional advice rather than hoping for the best or wishing your symptoms will go away.
Bloating accompanied by fever can be caused by infection or inflammation, please note that severe pain and bloating that occur suddenly with nausea and vomiting can be symptomatic of a bowel obstruction and will require prompt medical attention. Infection also needs to be excluded for a variety of reasons. Associated disease states that are related to/impacted by the symptom of chronic and/or persistent bloating.
Blood in your stool or bleeding between periods/postmenopausal vaginal bleeding can also be symptomatic of serious bloating ... one of the most common causes being hemorrhoids ... also fibroids ... or an irregular menstrual cycle ...
... and while these are not life threatening ... bleeding should always be checked up on as it can also be a sign ... of other ... more serious conditions
Large amount of fluid can make you look and feel like you’re several months pregnant
Ascites is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen or pelvis. Ascites can cause bloating, weight gain, and a rapidly expanding waistline. and is usually caused by liver disease. Such a large buildup of fluid can make you look and feel like you’re several months pregnant. While cancer is the culprit about 10% of the time ... it is also symptomatic of other diseased liver states such as such as hepatitis ... it could also be the result of blockages in the lymphatic drainage system ... or an intestinal blockages caused by the presence of cancer. If bloating and jaundice - which turns the eyes and skin yellow - are also symptomatic, this can be a sign that cancer that may have spread to the liver ...
... it is important that you talk to your health professional ...
Is your gut health compromised?
Does your life revolve around the health of your gut?
How often does what you eat dictate how soon you might need the loo?
Do you want to know more about keeping your gut healthy and happy so as to avoid gut health issues and disease states?
Come along to the next Good Guts Training Event on Saturday 24th October ... 1pm till 3-30pm @ Higher Health Wellness Centre - 64 London Rd - Mile End ... a great place to get some training, support and a clue as to how to achieve and keep good gut health
Signs and symptoms of gut health issues that need medical care
... provided below is some additional information about disease states/cancers that have severe or chronic bloating as a symptom ...
Leaky Gut
Liver Disease can lead to a bloated belly and fatigue. Liver disease can develop in people with a history of hepatitis or heavy alcohol use, it can also be precursor to cancer of the liver. Cancer from distant organs can spread to the liver, and of course, when cancer cells get into the bloodstream they will eventually get filtered through to the liver.
Bloating that is accompanied by ascites and jaundice may be a sign of cancer that has spread to the liver or of a primary liver cancer
... some liver disease can be treated through dietary changes ... more green leafy vegetables, legumes, and other plants, and less animal protein and starchy, sugary foods.
Diverticulitis refers to infection or inflammation of small pothole-type lesions that can develop in the colon called diverticula. Diverticulitis usually occurs in people over age 50, and is often accompanied by abdominal pain and tenderness, loss of appetite, fever, and constipation or diarrhea.
... the longer your stool sits in the diverticular orifices, the greater the risk of developing diverticulitis — so constipation is definitely to be avoided. Bouts of diverticulitis can be treated with bowel rest (nothing to eat or drink), a liquid diet. While talking with your medical professional will provide you with an approach to best relieve your symptoms, long-term lifestyle and dietary changes will reduce episodes and duration of diverticulitis events. Once the acute episode of diverticulitis is over, a high-fiber diet can help keep you regular and avoid future complications.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) occurs when the uterine lining, fallopian tubes, or ovaries become infected. There are no tests for PID. A diagnosis is usually based on a combination of your medical history, physical exam, and other test results. You may not realize you have PID because your symptoms may be mild, or you may not experience any symptoms. However, if you do have symptoms, you may notice
Pain in your lower abdomen
Fever
An unusual discharge with a bad odor from your vagina
Pain and/or bleeding when you have sex
Burning sensation when you urinate
Bleeding between periods
Bloating accompanied by fever, pain, and tenderness in the pelvic area, plus a vaginal discharge, is suggestive of a PID.
If you have bloating, vaginal bleeding or discharge, lower back or pelvic pain and think you may be pregnant, you should seek Medical help and exclude PID. Untreated PID's can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancies - any pregnancy that implants and grows in the fallopian tubes rather than in the uterus.
Bowel Obstruction A painful bloated stomach could also be a sign of a bowel obstruction, or a blockage in the small or large intestine.
Chron’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the GI tract, usually in the small intestine or colon. The lag time between initial symptoms and diagnosis can be years
... bloating is one of the early symptoms ...
Crohn’s can cause narrowing of the intestines and lead to a bowel obstruction which can results in severe bloating ... weight loss ... nausea ... vomiting after meals ... diarrhea with blood is typical when Crohn’s occurs in the colon
There may be other symptoms present outside of the GI tract ... including mouth ulcers ... joint pain ... skin lesions ... inflammation in the eyes
Diagnosis is often the most challenging aspect of Crohn’s disease as X-rays and even colonoscopy may not show the inflammation associated with this lifechanging disease
It is important to get the inflammation and bloating associated with Crohn’s under control as well as managing diet and lifestyle to achieve the best possible outcomes for living with Crohn's
There are several different cancers associated with chronic bloating ...
* Ovarian cancer isn’t the most likely though it is one of the most lethal. Persistent bloating is indeed a symptom of the ovarian cancer and, in order for the bloated belly to qualify as a symptom of ovarian cancer, the bloat doesn't come and go ... it is persistent. Ovarian cancer, specifically, can lead to ascites in the abdomen area, causing it to look pregnant and bloated.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women - it causes more deaths than any other reproductive cancer ... mostly ... in women over 50 ... other risk factors include never having had children or having them late in life ... obesity ... a family history of ovarian cancer ... long-term treatment with hormone replacement therapy.
* Uterine cancer, in addition to bloating, uterine cancer can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, a watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or pain with intercourse or urination. It is important to know that sometimes bloating or a change in bowel habits - like a new onset of constipation - may be the only initial signs of uterine cancer.
Risk factors include taking tamoxifen; taking estrogen supplements that don’t also contain progesterone; radiation therapy; a family history of uterine cancer; or a family history of a form of inherited colon cancer called Lynch syndrome. Combination/s of these symptoms ... especially if there is a strong family history and/or additional risk factors may point to a more serious diagnosis like uterine cancer, which will require further medical investigation.
Fortunately even aggressive cancers can be treated when they are caught early
* Pancreatic cancer tends to be very aggressive with low survival rates. The combination of bloating associated with jaundice - yellowing of the eyes and skin - weight loss - poor appetite - upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back - is a worrisome constellation of symptoms and may indicate pancreatic cancer. Newly onset diabetes, in association with bloating, weight loss, and abdominal pain, may also be a sign of pancreatic cancer ... please seek a medical evaluation if you are experiencing the above set of symptoms.
Pancreatic cancer is not a common cause of bloating, yet if you do have it, an early diagnosis can be a key to ensuring a good outcome
* Colon cancer can block the inside of the colon, causing progressive bloating. If the cancer is located at the end of the colon in the rectum or sigmoid, there is usually bleeding and a history of worsening constipation Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in non-smokers in the United States.
Colon cancer is mostly preventable through lifestyle changes and studies have shown that switching to a plant-based, nutrient-rich diet can cut your risk of colon cancer
* Bowel Cancer June in Australia was Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and Bowel Cancer Australia had an initiative for raising awareness of Australia's second deadliest cancer
They state that ... "Bowel cancer claims the lives of 103 Australians every week (5,336 people a year) - but it's one of the most treatable types of cancer if found early"
"While the risk of bowel cancer increases significantly with age, the disease doesn't discriminate, affecting men and women, young and old"
296 Australians will be diagnosed with bowel cancer this week (15,352 people a year).
Stomach cancer may cause vague symptoms like bloating ... indigestion ... a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen ... early on. ... at diagnosis it may have already reached the advanced stage with additional symptoms such as weight loss, nausea and abdominal pain.
Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is probably the most significant risk factor for developing stomach cancer
Nitrates and nitrites in smoked and processed meats are also risk factors
In a small number of people stomach cancer is genetic
Even in a diseased state our bodies can respond well to a positive change in diet and in our everyday food habits ... every change for the better is worthwhile yet some professional support will also be required. It is always advisable to seek help from your qualified Nutritionist or other trained Medical Professional if you are having/are now concerned about symptoms of chronic bloating.
At Higher Health Wellness Centre we are trained to help with these health conditions and have regular Information and Event Days because
Maria and the Team believe that ... sharing a wealth of knowledge creates the opportunity to inspire and inform ... embedded in their ethos is to always
give you some strategies to use @ home