Bloating is often caused by excess and trapped wind in the abdomen which is promoted by certain foods people eat.
Foods known for their bloat-inducing qualities include beans, onions and broccoli.
But in some cases, a bloating stomach can be a sign of a potentially serious condition – a stomach ulcer.
While the common symptoms of a stomach ulcer is pain, burping or bloating after eating is one of the signs.
Other symptoms other than pain associated with a stomach ulcer include loss of appetite, feeling an being sick, and losing weight without trying.
If you suspect your bloating is being caused by a stomach ulcer you should visit your GP.
The NHS warns that if the condition is left untreated there’s a small chance that stomach ulcer can become very serious.
It adds to call 999 or go to A&E if you experience the following:
- Have sudden, severe stomach pain
- Have pain when you touch your stomach
- Are vomiting blood or a ground coffee like substance
- Have blood or black, sticky poo
These could be signs of something more serious and you may need emergency treatment or surgery.
The health body explains there are two main causes of stomach ulcers – these are taking anti-inflammatory painkillers in high doses for a long time, and a bacterial infection.
You can take medicine called antacids to east the pain caused by stomach ulcers, which you can purchases from pharmacies and supermarkets.
But if you regularly get stomach ulcer symptoms and your symptoms keep coming back after taking antacids you should definitely visit your GP.
In serious cases, bloating can be a warning sign of bowel cancer, ovarian cancer and stomach cancer.
Bowel cancer is a disease which is easily treatable if it is caught early. It is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK and most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60.
Symptoms to look out for include persistent lower abdominal pain, bloating and discomfort in the abdomen.
If your bloating is just down to diet, you could also try taking supplements.
One, recommended by Holland and Barrett, is friendly bacteria supplements.
The first, is friendly or ‘good’ bacteria supplements. The high street health shop says these can aid digestion and help contract the negative effects of bad bacteria in your gut.
It adds: “Best of all, numerous studies have shown they may help ease symptoms of IBS like pain, gas and bloating.
“There are many different types available, so you may need to experiment to find one that works for you.”
Fennel supplements, peppermint oil and activated charcoal supplements are also believed to help.