Heart surgery is one of the most serious and complicated types of surgery you can undergo. While there are a variety of heart surgery procedures, all must be taken seriously, and all require significant recovery and healing time.
Of course, there can be significant complications after heart surgery, including stroke, heart attack, severe bleeding, skin graft failure, and loss of life. Fortunately, these complications are quite rare.
There are also a number of potential minor complications that you may experience after heart surgery, including: nausea, vomiting, minor infections, minor bleeding, scarring, allergic skin reactions, numbness…and a bloated stomach. Bloated stomach problems can be caused by fluid buildup, excess gas, constipation, or other conditions.
If you experience any of the major or minor complications listed above after heart surgery, it’s important to see your doctor to discuss treatment options.
Among the minor complications you can experience after heart surgery, one of the most uncomfortable is a bloated stomach. This condition may be accompanied by a distended stomach (which sticks out more than normal), accompanied by a general feeling of discomfort in the stomach area.
The following techniques can be tried to reduce the effects of a bloated stomach after heart surgery:
1. One of the causes of your problems could be constipation. If this is the cause of your bloating, try eating more high-fiber grains, fruits, and vegetables. And be sure to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
2. Bloating is often caused by poor digestion. To improve your digestion, try to eat more slowly. Chew your food well and eat several snacks or small meals throughout the day.
3. Chewing gum can, believe it or not, contribute to improving intestinal activity.
4. Try to drink hot tea several times a day.
5. Consider using warm compresses to relieve symptoms of gas and bloating.
6. Over-the-counter medications, such as Maalox and Gas-X, can help minimize bloating and maintain bowel movement.
7. If motility (movement of food through your digestive system) continues to be a concern, your doctor may decide to conduct a medication review to determine if your medications may be playing a role in your bloating problems.
8. If problems persist, a complete gastrointestinal (GI) evaluation can help your doctor better assess this symptom.
9. In severe cases, your doctor may admit you to the hospital to have tubes inserted into your nose, stomach, or rectum to relieve pressure from excess gases or fluids in the body.
10. Try taking an acidophilus supplement (found in many yogurts and some types of milk) as this will help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
11. Finally, if your bloating is truly caused by digestion problems, avoid the following foods: meats, dairy products, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, beans and legumes, cauliflower, onions, prunes, stout, red wine, carbonated drinks, sugar, and fried or fatty foods
Upset stomach and bloating after heart surgery may be due to fluid buildup, gas, or both. Check with your doctor for suggested remedies. And try these suggested methods to reduce the symptoms and causes of a bloated stomach after heart surgery.
