What is the reason for upper abdominal distension?

There are always many people who have this experience in life. Although they don’t eat a lot, they always feel bloated in the upper abdomen, and occasionally feel nauseous and retching. Experts say that food fermentation, inhaled air, gas absorption disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, gas discharge disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, and early gastric cancer are all causes of upper abdominal bloating. At this time, the most important thing is to first determine the cause, rule out gastric cancer as soon as possible, and then carry out further treatment.

1. What is the cause of upper abdominal distension?

(1) Food fermentation

Normally, there are large numbers of bacteria in the lower ileum and ascending colon. If the chyme stays in this section of the intestine for too long for some reason, the bacteria may cause the chyme to ferment, produce a large amount of gas, and cause abdominal distension.

(2) Inhaled air

Intestinal bloating is caused by inhaling a large amount of air while eating due to talking or bad eating habits.

(3) Gas absorption disorder in the gastrointestinal tract

Under normal circumstances, most of the gas in the abdominal cavity is absorbed by the blood vessels in the intestinal wall and then exhaled out of the body through the lungs. In some diseases, blood circulation in the intestinal wall is impaired, affecting the absorption of gas in the intestinal cavity, thus causing abdominal bloating.

(4) Obstruction of gas discharge from the gastrointestinal tract

For some reasons, the intestinal peristalsis function is weakened or disappears, so the gas in the intestinal cavity cannot be discharged from the body, causing abdominal distension.

(5) Early stage gastric cancer

If you often feel upper abdominal discomfort and bloating, you should pay special attention to it. According to statistics on early symptoms of gastric cancer, abdominal bloating is one of the early symptoms of gastric cancer.

2. Prevention of upper abdominal distension

(1) Bloating is mostly caused by diet. First of all, you must change your eating habits: chew slowly when eating, and do not eat too much at one time. It is recommended to eat small and frequent meals.

(2) Avoid drinking carbonated drinks and chewing gum, and it is best not to drink beverages with a straw, as these will invisibly increase gas intake.

(3) Eat less foods or desserts containing fructose or sorbitol (sugar), as these are also the culprits of gas production. Bean products must be cooked until they are thoroughly cooked before eating, because beans that are too hard are not only difficult to digest but can also easily cause bloating. Some people are particularly prone to gas or bloating after certain foods, so they must avoid certain specific foods based on past experience. Don't sit on the sofa after a meal. Get up and walk around, wash the dishes, or take a short walk. Gentle and gentle exercise can help digestion.