Bloating, pain, and gas: When to talk to a GP

Summary: Bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort are common digestive issues that can result from diet, stress, or minor digestive disturbances. While they are usually temporary, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate underlying conditions such as food sensitivities, IBS, GORD, constipation, or bacterial imbalances like SIBO. It’s important to seek medical advice if bloating lasts for several weeks, is accompanied by severe pain, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or other concerning symptoms like blood in the stool or difficulty swallowing.

Bloating, pain, and gas—we’ve all been there. Whether it’s feeling overly full after eating or an unexpected rumble during a meeting, these digestive issues are common. Most of the time, they are temporary and just a result of overindulgence or stress. But sometimes, they could signal something more concerning. So, how do you distinguish between a mild issue and when it’s time to consult a doctor? Let’s explore! 

Understanding the symptoms

Bloating is a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen, usually accompanied by noticeable bulging. It happens when the stomach or intestines are filled with gas or air. This can happen after consuming certain foods or drinks, or due to fluid retention, slowed digestion, or underlying gastrointestinal conditions.  

Gas in the digestive system primarily comes from swallowed air or fermentation of undigested carbohydrates by gut bacteria in the intestines. While some gas is normal, excessive gas production may result from diet, digestive disorders, or bacterial imbalances. In some cases, excessive gas can cause discomfort or embarrassment.  

Abdominal pain can range from mild cramps to intense, persistent discomfort, and can be aggravated by various factors, including constipation, indigestion, or food intolerances.  

Also read: How to relieve bloating: Doctor-approved tips 

Typical causes of gas, discomfort, and bloating

• Dietary elements: Foods high in fibre, fizzy drinks, and artificial sweeteners can result in increased gas and bloating. 
• Food sensitivities: Conditions such as lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity can trigger digestive distress after eating certain foods. 
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is often associated with bloating, cramping, and inconsistent bowel movements. 
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD): GORD is primarily associated with acid reflux and heartburn. While some individuals with GORD report bloating, this may be due to delayed gastric emptying or overlapping digestive conditions rather than acid reflux itself.    
• Constipation: A sluggish digestive system can lead to gas accumulation and bloating. 
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): An imbalance in gut bacteria may cause excessive gas and bloating. 
• Hormonal fluctuations: Women might experience bloating related to hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle or menopause. 

Also read: How to prevent acid reflux after exercise or riding: Tips from a GP

When to visit a GP?

Although mild bloating and gas are generally normal, it's important to seek medical care if: 

• Bloating persists for several weeks – Ongoing bloating may indicate an underlying issue such as IBS, SIBO, or food intolerance.   
• Severe or increasing abdominal pain develops – Intense discomfort could signal gallstones, ulcers, appendicitis, or pancreatitis.   
• Changes in bowel habits occur – Ongoing diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both may point to IBS, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).   
• Unexplained weight loss happens – Shedding pounds without dietary changes or exercise could be a sign of malabsorption, IBD, or even gastrointestinal cancers.   
• Blood appears in stool or stools become black and tarry – This may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers, hemorrhoids, or more serious issues like colon cancer.   
• Difficulty swallowing or constant nausea persists – These symptoms could suggest GORD, stomach ulcers, or oesophageal problems that need medical assessment.   
• Severe bloating accompanied by fever or vomiting occurs – These signs could represent an infection, obstruction, or another serious health issue that may require urgent attention. 

Persistent bloating can, in rare cases, be a symptom of more serious conditions such as ovarian cancer, liver disease of advanced gastrointestinal disorders. If bloating is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or persistent pain, a medical evaluation is essential.  

When bloating, pain, and gas become frequent issues, telehealth can be a convenient way to get the advice you need without leaving home. Virtual consultations let you discuss your symptoms with a doctor or a specialist, share your medical history, and even receive tips on managing your digestive health. They can help assess whether your symptoms are harmless or if further testing or treatment is needed. Telehealth with an online doctor offers a quick and easy way to address your concerns, saving you time and ensuring you are on the path to recovery. Online GP chat available 24/7 mostly offers rapid access to medical guidance, sick leave certificate or telehealth medical certificate, making it a practical choice for addressing abdominal bloating without requiring an in-person appointment. 

Hola Health offers a fast and convenient way to access healthcare with doctors on demand anytime, anywhere in Australia. Whether you need a night doctor or a quick consult during the day, Hola Health connects you with AHPRA-registered Australian GPs within 15 minutes: 

• Online doctor appointment: Speak to an Australian GP or an after-hours GP for immediate advice and treatment options via telehealth Australia. 
• Multi-Day and same day medical certificate online: Request medical certificates for single or multiple days, perfect for work, school, or carer responsibilities. 
• Prescriptions online: Receive escripts for medications sent directly to your local pharmacy or medicines delivered to your door. 
• Online referrals: Get specialist referrals or referrals for pathology or radiology without the hassle of waiting for a clinic appointment. 

With Hola Health’s web doctor service, you can book telehealth appointments 24/7, ensuring quick and reliable care when it’s needed most by home doctors. Trusted by thousands of Australians, Hola Health makes healthcare accessible and stress-free via 24-hour doctors.