Bloating is a rather common digestive issue that usually affects people of any age. However, as one age, it becomes more common. It occurs due to excessive gas or fluids.
While bloating from time to time, is normal, consistent bloating can be hazardous to the stomach and will require proper treatment for its recovery. So let’s get into this article and find out how bloating is caused in seniors and ways to prevent and manage it.
Bloating is a well-known symptom of digestive disorders accompanied by discomfort along with fullness or tightness of the abdomen. Several symptoms go hand in hand with bloating such as the swelling or distention of the abdomen and others such as excessive gas, belching, or abdominal pain among others. The degree of bloating may differ over time and among individuals, ranging from an annoying, but passing discomfort to a persistent bloating that severely affects the quality of life.
Air is swallowed into the digestive system either when eating or drinking, carbohydrates that are not digested ferment, or foods are breaking down and giving gas.
When gastric emptying is pushed back or food experiences slow movement through the digestive tract, it can result in the food darkening and staying in the stomach and intestines for a long period, which leads to gas formation and bloating.
The most common symptom is abdominal pain with mixed constipation and diarrhea, as well as gas in the abdomen. IBS can affect the way the intestines are working and how they are being felt, which may cause a feeling of bloating.
Some people may have bloating due to low intolerance to some food items, like dairy products, gluten, or artificial sweeteners.
Some medications that include opioids antacids magnesium, and some other antidepressants might be the reason for abdominal bloating as one of their side effects.
Hormonal variations caused by perimenopause or menopause may affect women in the later stages of life. These hormonal shifts may have an impact on digestion and exacerbate bloating.
The influence of bloating on the elderly can be great and may cause different changes in health and good quality of life.
Bloating often results in substantial physical discomfort such as a feeling of fullness, tightness, or abdominal distention. The discomfort can be persistent, and in some cases, it gets worse with the intake of specific foods and beverages.
Persistent bloating can cause reduced appetite and a change in food intake in older adults. The feeling of discomfort and the sensation of fullness associated with bloating may make dieting difficult for seniors, so they cannot consume enough food to meet their vitamin and mineral intake. Thus, inadequate intake of these nutrients may result in the deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals and the multiplication of health-related complications.
One of the consequences of bloating in geriatrics is the disruption of the normal digestive processes and bowel function. Prolonged digestion, delayed emptying of gastric, and increased gas production can result in symptoms including constipation, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. Chronic bloating can worsen the gastrointestinal problems associated with it and cause discomfort and inconvenience to seniors.
Extreme bloating may hinder seniors’ mobility and stop them from participating in their daily activities. The unpleasant sensation of bloating, along with abdominal distention, might stop you from moving as well as taking part in physical activities. This in turn may result in decreased mobility and functional independence. Older people may struggle with daily routines like walking, standing, or engaging in sporting activities resulting in a poor quality of life.
Seniors may experience psychological and emotional consequences of bloating – they may find themselves annoyed, anxious, or even depressed. Persistent bloating is likely to affect the self-image and body image especially if it leads to noticeable abdominal distension or change of everyday clothes.
Try to keep a food diary of foods that may worsen the bloating symptom and see if it makes sense to avoid or limit those in your diet.
Try eating smaller meals and spacing them so that there are several times with small portions to prevent overeating plus bloating.
Drinking a lot of water can help your body remain well-hydrated, and it can prevent bloating and constipation, which are very common and can be managed easily.
With time, increase fiber intake from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to foster digestive health and overcome constipation.
Try hectic-relieving techniques for example deep breathing, meditation, or yoga as they help in calming bloating symptoms that are due to stress or anxiety.
Doing mild exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga will help increase movement in the abdomen which will, in turn, increase the frequency of bowel movements.
Talk with doctors to check your medication list and exclude the ones that may be responsible for bloating and digestion problems. Adjustments or alternatives will be needed.
Urge the elderly to eat healthily with a bite of fiber, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, avoiding gaseous and trigger foods consumption.
Encourage older adults to eat gradually, thoroughly chew the food, and do not eat quickly or while distracted which can cause bloating and digestive problems.
Bloating is a digestive symptom very frequently seen as an age-old co-traveler of associated abdominal discomfort, gas, and distention. People in their late ages especially may develop this condition due to many factors as age-related changes in digestion, using medication, eating habits, and decreased physical activity. Controlling swell is constructed on proper identification of trigger foods, eating small meals, keeping yourself hydrated, and coping with stress. The strategies for stopping bloating in seniors are regular physical activity, making a list of medications, encouraging balanced nutrition, and having a conscious eating style.
Sometimes the bloating is normal and it disappears. It can be a symptom of some disorders or medical conditions.
People react differently to certain foods; these reactions may be intensifying to carbonated beverages, cruciferous vegetables, beans, and artificial sweeteners.
A few seniors can reduce the situation of bloating via different natural remedies in their routine such as peppermint tea, ginger, or probiotics.
