Bloating is a health problem in which the stomach becomes distended due to the presence of excess gas within the stomach chamber. In medical circles, the swelling is often referred to as gastric dilatation volvulus or GDV. The bloating condition can take place from a number of different factors, and is most often experienced by humans, canines, and livestock, although other animals can also suffer gastric torsion from time to time.
In many cases, bloating develops when some set of factors causes the stomach to twist. This effectively creates a situation where the esophagus closes and will not allow excess gas to escape. This means that the victim cannot simply burp or vomit as a means of clearing gas from the stomach tract. The release of gas through the intestines is also sometimes blocked. In severe cases, the swelling can lead to what's known as double twisting, where there are two twists instead of one that effectively block the escape of the gas.
The twisting of the stomach has a direct impact on the digestive tract or volvulus, preventing the tract from working properly. As pressure builds in the stomach, the tissue expands, causing great discomfort. The tension created by bloating can have physical and emotional ramifications, as the condition can make sleep impossible and also interfere with the processing of nutrients from the food you eat. If left unchecked, the swelling can eventually cause damage to the spleen and possibly lead to blood poisoning.
There are several reasons why swelling can develop. A combination of foods, or even one meal, can cause the stomach to twist around the digestive tract. Emotions can also play a role, as negative emotions can affect the function of the stomach. Stress can often be a major factor in bloating, especially when combined with eating foods that tend to create a lot of gas in the system.
Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can relax the stomach muscles and release the volvulus. Once this occurs, the trapped gas can escape and the distended stomach will return to normal. For humans, there are a number of over-the-counter medications that can help with bloating. However, if the victim does not appear to respond to these medications within a day or so, prompt medical assistance should be sought.