What It Means When You Experience Bloating and Constipation

Bloating and constipation are common stomach problems that many individuals deal with. They often happen together but can have different causes. Knowing what triggers these problems and how to fix them can help you feel better.

Bloating Feels Like Your Stomach Is Full or Swollen

Bloating is when your stomach feels tight, full, or swollen. Sometimes, your belly may even look bigger. Health experts say bloating often happens because of too much gas in your stomach or intestines. This can happen if you swallow air, eat certain foods, or have imbalanced gut bacteria.

Common symptoms of bloating include:

  • A stretched or tight stomach
  • Burping a lot or passing gas
  • Feeling heavy in your belly

Some common causes of bloating are:

  • What You Eat: Foods like beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, and fizzy drinks can cause gas.
  • Health Conditions: Issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, or too much bacteria in your intestines can lead to bloating.
  • Swallowing Air: Eating too fast, chewing gum, or using a straw can cause you to swallow air, making bloating worse.

Constipation Means You Have Trouble Pooping

Constipation is when you poop less than three times a week or have trouble passing stools. While it happens to everyone once in a while, long-term constipation can be a sign of something more serious.

Signs of constipation include:

  • Straining to poop
  • Hard or lumpy stools
  • Feeling like you didn’t finish after pooping
  • Pooping less than three times a week

Common reasons for constipation are:

  • Not Enough Fiber: Eating too few fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can cause hard stools.
  • Dehydration: Not drinking enough water makes stools hard and tough to pass.
  • Not Moving Enough: Being inactive can slow down your digestion.
  • Medicine Side Effects: Painkillers, antidepressants, and some antacids can cause constipation.
  • Health Problems: Conditions like low thyroid function, diabetes, or issues with the pelvic floor muscles can lead to chronic constipation.

Bloating and Constipation Can Happen Together

Sometimes, bloating and constipation occur at the same time. When stool builds up in the colon, it can trap gas, making bloating worse. This can cause stomach discomfort and make you feel sluggish.

When Bloating and Constipation Might Be Serious

Usually, bloating and constipation aren’t serious. But if the symptoms are severe or last a long time, it could mean there’s a more major problem, like:

  • A blockage in your intestines
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Celiac disease
  • Colon cancer
  • Endometriosis
  • Extreme dehydration

Talk to a doctor if you notice:

  • Symptoms that last more than a few weeks
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Blood in your stool
  • Strong stomach pain

Easy Ways to Help Bloating and Constipation

You can make simple changes to feel better:

  • Eat More Fiber: Add fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your meals.
  • Drink Water: Aim for at least 8 glasses a day.
  • Exercise: Moving your body can help your digestion and reduce gas.
  • Avoid Certain Foods: Cut back on beans, fizzy drinks, and dairy if they bother you.
  • Stick to a Schedule: Eat meals and use the bathroom at the same times every day.

Sometimes, You May Need Medical Treatment

If home remedies don’t help, a doctor might suggest:

  • Laxatives: Over-the-counter options like fiber supplements or stool softeners can help.
  • Probiotics: These can improve gut health and reduce bloating.
  • Prescription Medicine: For conditions like IBS or chronic constipation, stronger medications may be needed.
  • Special Exercises: Therapy for your pelvic floor muscles might help if that’s part of the problem.

The Bottom Line

Bloating and constipation are common and can usually be managed with simple changes. If these issues don’t go away or get worse, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out what’s causing the problem and suggest the right treatment.