NHS warns 'call 999' if you have any of these 7 symptoms with bloating
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The NHS has urged people to “call 999” if they experience some specific symptoms alongside bloating. Being bloated isn’t usually something to worry about. This is because the most common reason for bloating is having a lot of gas in your gut. Some foods and drinks might cause this, such as fizzy drinks and vegetables. Swallowing air when you eat is also a common cause.
Digestive issues are also often accompanied by bloating. It could therefore signal problems such as constipation, a food intolerance, or irritable bowel syndrome. Some women also experience bloating around the time of their period. However, in other instances, it could be a sign of something far more serious - and potentially even life-threatening. Bloating can be a symptom of several types of cancer, including ovarian, bowel, and stomach cancer, for example.
It could also be the result of fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, known as ascites. The most common cause of ascites is cirrhosis of the liver - the most advanced stage of liver disease. Bloating could also be a sign of celiac disease - a chronic condition where the immune system attacks the small intestine after consuming gluten - or endometriosis - a painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus.
