Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Bloating - how EXACTLY does it feel? How do I know?

I have a question...and it sounds kinda basic, but I haven't been able to find an answer in Heather's book, WebMD, etc...

Lots of you talk about bloating, and solutions when that happens. At the same time, you also talk about the physical GROWTH of your midsection when you have bloating.

My question - what does bloating ACTUALLY feel like? Can I experience bloating (& thus have relief from the teas, etc. that give relief) even if my tummy doesn't blow up like so many of you describe?

Here's what I experience that I wonder whether it's bloating:

1) Feeling like I ate a beachball (inflated!)- no outward physical "growth" ever

2) Feeling like my stomach stretches upward toward my breastbone

3) A "full" feeling, vaguely painful aching, sorta like stomach's stretching in all directions...not quite full-on nausea, but uncomfortable nonetheless.

Thanks for answering my questions. Again - sorry this is so basic...

~ Emily

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East Palo Alto, CA (San Francisco Bay Area/Silicon Valley)

IBS-C, pain, nausea

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