*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Bloating

Bloating is where your tummy feels full and uncomfortable. It's very common and there are things you can do to ease it. But see a GP if you feel bloated a lot or it does not go away.

Symptoms of bloating

You may be bloated if:

your tummy feels full or bigger than usual
you have tummy pain or discomfort
your tummy is rumbling or making noises
you're farting more than usual

Causes of bloating

The most common reason for bloating is having a lot of gas in your gut.

This can be caused by some food and drinks, such as some vegetables and fizzy drinks, or by swallowing air when you eat.

It can also be caused by a problem with your digestion, such as:

Some people feel bloated around the time of their period.

Sometimes, bloating that does not go away can be a sign of something more serious such as ovarian cancer.

How to reduce bloating

Do

exercise regularly to improve your digestion and help prevent bloating - exercise can also help when you're feeling bloated
chew with your mouth closed to avoid swallowing air
drink plenty of water
eat foods high in fibre if constipated
eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals
massage your stomach from right to left to release trapped wind

Don't

do not drink lots of fizzy drinks, alcohol or caffeine in coffee and tea
do not eat lots of foods that are known to cause gas, like cabbage, beans or lentils
do not eat large meals late at night before bed, or slouch when eating
do not eat lots of processed, sugary, spicy or fatty foods
do not eat food you are intolerant to, if you have a food intolerance

A pharmacist can help with bloating

You can ask a pharmacist about:

laxatives to help treat constipation
medicines like Buscopan to help ease the bloating

Find a pharmacy

See a GP if:

you've been feeling bloated for 3 weeks or more
you feel bloated regularly (more than 12 times a month)
you've tried changing your diet but keep feeling bloated
you have a swelling or lump in your tummy
you have bloating along with being sick, diarrhoea, constipation, weight loss or blood in your poo
you find it difficult to move or do daily activities because you're bloated

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

you have a stomach ache that came on very suddenly or is severe
it hurts when you touch your stomach
you're vomiting blood or your vomit looks like ground coffee
your poo is bloody or black
you cannot pee, poo or fart
you cannot breathe
you have chest pain

Find your nearest A&E

What we mean by severe pain

Severe pain:: always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
you cannot sleep
it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
Moderate pain:: always there
makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:: comes and goes
is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities

Treatment for bloating

Treatment for bloating is often not needed. If you need treatment it will depend on the cause.

A GP may:

refer you to an NHS dietitian if general diet tips, such as cutting down on foods that trigger bloating, are not helping
refer you to a specialist for tests to find out what may be causing your bloating

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.