What is the reason for upper abdominal distension?

From a clinical perspective, the stuffiness and bloating in the upper abdomen may be caused by swallowing too much gas, producing too much gas in the large intestine, etc. To relieve this condition, you can apply hot compresses to the abdomen or wind-repellent oil, chew slowly during meals, drink plenty of water, take gas-absorbing drugs, etc. In addition, you should pay attention to your diet, try to eat less or no gas-bloating foods, and proper physical exercise is also essential.

1. What is the cause of upper abdominal distension?

1. Swallowing too much gas

About 90% of intestinal gas is swallowed orally. A normal person swallows about 500 to 1000 cc of air every day. The main components of air are oxygen and nitrogen. When the human body swallows air into the small intestine, oxygen will be absorbed, while nitrogen goes to the large intestine and becomes the main component of intestinal gas. In many cases, the human body swallows air without realizing it, for example, when chewing gum, eating quickly, talking while eating, drinking carbonated beverages such as soda, cola, beer, or eating foods that easily produce gas. In addition, some people will swallow their saliva involuntarily when they are nervous. These factors will lead to an increase in intestinal gas.

When eating and talking, drinking carbonated beverages such as soda, cola, beer, etc.

2. The large intestine produces too much gas

The intestines produce gas due to intestinal motility disorders, which cause bacteria to over-ferment food and produce a large amount of gas; or because there is a problem with a certain digestive enzyme in the intestines, which leads to indigestion of certain foods. The most common one is lactose intolerance.

In other words, it is caused by the inability of the gastrointestinal tract to digest lactose. At this time, as long as you do not eat foods containing lactose, there will be no symptoms. Excessive stomach acid can also cause bloating. Excess stomach acid and pancreatic juice in the stomach will produce carbon dioxide after neutralization, causing bloating and burping. In addition, if the anus is too tight, it will be difficult to pass gas, and chronic constipation will gradually cause abdominal bloating. We can analyze the cause of abdominal bloating by directly analyzing the gas content ratio in the body. If you swallow too much gas, the concentration of nitrogen and oxygen in the intestine will be higher. If the flatulence is caused by bacterial fermentation in the intestine, the concentration of hydrogen and oxygen in the intestine will be higher.

2. How to relieve upper abdominal distension

1. Apply hot compress or wind-repelling oil to the abdomen

Apply hot compress or medicated oil to the abdomen, then rub your palms to warm them, massage clockwise, then counterclockwise, repeat 2 to 3 times a day, 5 to 10 minutes each time. This can help intestinal movement, promote gas discharge, and relieve bloating.

2. Chew slowly

Belching is part of the cause of bloating, and chewing slowly can reduce the occurrence of belching.

In addition, try not to chew gum, betel nuts and quit smoking, so that bloating can occur less frequently.

3. Drink plenty of water

Drinking more water can help promote intestinal digestion and bowel movements, thereby achieving the effect of expelling gas and relieving abdominal bloating and discomfort.

It is recommended to drink about 2000 ml of water every day to meet the body's needs and prevent bloating.

4. Taking gas-absorbing drugs

Taking certain gas-absorbing drugs, such as medicinal charcoal, before meals can reduce gas tension in the intestine and make large bubbles smaller. Autonomic nervous system modulators, such as oryzanol, can also be taken.