Bloating and Gas SpecialistForest Hills, NY
Chronic bloating and gas can impact an individual’s overall quality of life, causing discomfort, distress, and embarrassment. These symptoms can occur as a result of food intolerances or gastrointestinal disorders. Fortunately, a bloating and gas specialist is trained in diagnosing and treating the root causes of bloating and gas, tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s body and needs.
Whether your symptoms are occasional or persistent, the Pinnacle Gastroenterology team is here to help you find relief. We offer gastroenterological services in Forest Hills and the surrounding area. Give us a call at (718) 747-9630 to learn more about your digestive health or to schedule a consultation.
The Causes of Bloating and Gas
Bloating and gas can occur due to a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions and lifestyle factors. Some of the most common include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This condition affects the way muscles in the intestines contract, leading to digestive issues and gas buildup.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): SIBO can cause gas and bloating when bacteria accumulate in the intestine and ferment undigested food, producing gas.
- Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): These conditions can cause inflammation in the small intestine, leading to bloating and pain.
- Food intolerances: Food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance or sensitivity to high-fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) foods, can trigger gas and bloating.
- Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can affect the movement of food and waste through the digestive system while also increasing the patient’s sensitivity to pain, further worsening bloating.
- Lifestyle factors: Overeating, swallowing air, or consuming carbonated beverages can contribute to bloating and gas.
Identifying the root cause of these symptoms allows for more targeted and effective treatment by a bloating and gas specialist, helping patients find relief from acute and chronic digestive issues.
“Bloating and excessive gas can occur due to a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions and lifestyle factors.”
When to Consult a Bloating and Gas Specialist
There are short-term GI issues that can be resolved on their own without needing professional treatment. However, patients should consult a bloating and gas specialist if their symptoms persist or worsen. Patients should seek professional care if they experience unexplained weight loss, blood in their stool, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain. If over-the-counter medications, rest, and dietary changes fail to provide permanent relief, it is time to consult a bloating and gas specialist. They can conduct a thorough evaluation to identify underlying conditions like IBS, SIBO, or food intolerance, which may require more targeted treatments.
Additionally, individuals experiencing disruptions to their daily activities due to bloating or gas should consider seeing a gastroenterologist. If symptoms worsen or become debilitating, it is important to rule out more serious conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or gastrointestinal cancers. The bloating and gas specialist will help develop a personalized plan to manage and alleviate these symptoms, improving the patient’s digestive and overall health.
“If over-the-counter medications, rest, and dietary changes fail to provide permanent relief, it is time to consult a bloating and gas specialist.”
Diagnosing Boating and Gas Conditions
The bloating and gas specialist will determine the cause of the patient’s symptoms based on the patient’s medical history, dietary habits, and physical exam. During the exam, the doctor may touch the patient’s abdomen to detect tenderness or abnormal lumps. They may also use a stethoscope to listen to noises in the GI tract to determine how well it is working.
Depending on the patient’s symptoms, the bloating and gas specialist may order additional tests, such as blood panels, stool samples, or X-rays, to check for signs of underlying health issues. They may also recommend endoscopic procedures like a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy to identify more complex conditions like IBD or structural issues in the GI tract. These diagnostic tools can help the doctor create a personalized treatment plan to alleviate the patient’s symptoms and improve their overall digestive health.
“Depending on the patient’s symptoms, the bloating and gas specialist may order additional tests, such as blood panels, stool samples, or X-rays, to check for signs of underlying health issues.”
Treating Bloating and Gas
Bloating and gas specialists treat gastrointestinal issues by developing personalized treatment plans based on the underlying cause of the patient’s symptoms. For example, IBS or SIBO treatments may involve antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth, probiotics for gut health, and antispasmodics for cramping. In other cases, the doctor may recommend dietary modifications, such as a low FODMAP diet, which can reduce symptoms by eliminating fermentable carbohydrates that contribute to gas building up in the digestive tract. The proper management of food intolerances, such as avoiding lactose or gluten, is a common approach to help alleviate bloating and gas.
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes can improve the patient’s overall gastrointestinal care. The bloating and gas specialist may guide them in stress management techniques, as stress can exacerbate digestive issues. For patients with GI issues tied to psychological factors, the doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy, allowing them to unlearn negative thoughts and behaviors that may have evolved as a result of their GI issues. A combination of medical treatment, dietary adjustments, and psychological support frequently offers comprehensive relief for those experiencing persistent bloating and gas.
“Bloating and gas specialists treat gastrointestinal issues by developing personalized treatment plans based on the underlying cause of the patient’s symptoms.”
Long-Term Management and Care
Regular follow-up appointments with a bloating and gas specialist allow them to adjust the patient’s treatment plan as needed. Ongoing care ensures patients receive effective, long-term interventions to mitigate their chronic symptoms. Long-term management may also involve tracking food intake, stress levels, and digestive health to identify triggers and minimize flare-ups.
Depending on the cause of the bloating and gas, the patient may need to make changes to their diet and lifestyle. The following changes can include:
- Avoiding foods that cause a lot of gas, such as fermentable and dairy items
- Eating smaller meals throughout the day
- Increasing fiber intake to reduce constipation
- Limiting the consumption of sodium
- Quiting smoking or vaping
- Increasing physical activity through low-impact exercise
In many cases, a combination of medical and lifestyle interventions provides long-lasting relief, allowing patients to lead healthier, more comfortable lives.
“Ongoing care ensures that patients receive effective and long-term interventions to mitigate their chronic symptoms.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What conditions or habits can cause bloating and gas?
Q. When should I schedule an appointment with a bloating and gas specialist?
Q. What diagnostic tools do bloating and gas specialists use?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can stress and anxiety contribute to bloating?
A. Yes. The gut and brain are closely connected. Stress and anxiety can affect digestive function, alter gut motility, and exacerbate symptoms like gas and bloating, particularly for people with IBS.
Q. What is SIBO and how is it related to bloating?
A. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is characterized by excessive bacteria buildup in the small intestine. This overgrowth can result in symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. In some cases, SIBO can cause diarrhea or make it difficult for individuals to absorb proper nutrients from their dietary intake.
Q. Is it possible to prevent bloating?
A. While not all bloating is preventable, you can reduce the risk of bloating and gas. Some habits include managing your diet and improving your digestive health. Treating any underlying gastroenterological conditions and their contributing factors can also reduce the risk of bloating.
Q. Can bloating indicate a serious underlying condition?
A. In some cases, bloating can be a symptom of more serious issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, or gastrointestinal cancers. A bloating and gas specialist can help rule out these conditions through proper evaluation and diagnosis. For more information, call our office and schedule an appointment.
Q. Are over-the-counter medications effective for bloating and gas?
A. While some over-the-counter products may offer temporary relief, they do not address the root cause of the issue. Ongoing symptoms require medical evaluation by a bloating and gas specialist. Our team is here to work with you and develop a more effective, long-term solution.
Call Our Office to Learn More
A bloating and gas specialist can help you find relief and improve your digestive health. Do you have questions about Pinnacle Gastroenterology’s services? Call our Forest Hills office at (718) 747-9630 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Contact Us
Pinnacle Gastroenterology is located at
112-03 Queens Blvd Ste 204
Forest Hills,
NY 11375
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