Woman is so bloated after eating, people think she's pregnant
Kerri Dowdswell is normally a trim size 10, but after eating, her stomach becomes so bloated people think she's pregnant.
The 23 year old, from Cannock, Staffordshire, has suffered from severe bloating for 10 years and says doctors are mystified as to what is causing her condition.
Through the years, she has been tested for irritable bowel syndrome, Coeliac disease and food allergies and intolerances, but the results came back negative.
"Doctors are just as puzzled by it as I am, but as it doesn't seem to be causing any real harm, they've just told me it's one of those things I have to live with, she told the Daily Mail.
"Sometimes it comes up instantly, within about 15 minutes of eating, but other times it takes a few hours, and always takes a few hours to go down.
"It doesn't happen every time I eat, but it's at least a few times a week.
"I've been asked several times when I'm due to give birth, and I usually have to explain that my "baby" is a roast dinner," she said.
"If I go out for a meal, I always have to wear something loose, because I know I'll probably expand. In the end, I had to buy a pair of maternity jeans with an elasticated waistband, because they were the only thing I could be comfortable in."
Ms Dowdswell first experienced problems when she went through puberty. But since then her symptoms have worsened.
"I was convinced it was something that I was eating that caused it, so I cut loads of different food groups systematically out of my diet.
"I spent about a year living as a vegan, with no red meat, wheat or dairy - but it didn't stop my stomach from expanding, and I never got to enjoy my food.
"I decided as it wasn't actually causing me any pain, I might as well eat the foods I enjoy, so I eat what I like now and don't deprive myself."
There are many conditions which can lead to bloating. Overindulging with food or drink, lactose intolerance and other food intolerances, coeliac disease and irritable bowel syndrome are some of the more common causes. In some cases, it can even be caused by a tumour.
It's always worthwhile getting it checked out by your doctor to rule out a serious medical condition
Kerri Dowdswell is normally a trim size 10, but after eating, her stomach becomes so bloated people think she's pregnant.
The 23 year old, from Cannock, Staffordshire, has suffered from severe bloating for 10 years and says doctors are mystified as to what is causing her condition.
Through the years, she has been tested for irritable bowel syndrome, Coeliac disease and food allergies and intolerances, but the results came back negative.
"Doctors are just as puzzled by it as I am, but as it doesn't seem to be causing any real harm, they've just told me it's one of those things I have to live with, she told the Daily Mail.
"Sometimes it comes up instantly, within about 15 minutes of eating, but other times it takes a few hours, and always takes a few hours to go down.
"It doesn't happen every time I eat, but it's at least a few times a week.
"I've been asked several times when I'm due to give birth, and I usually have to explain that my "baby" is a roast dinner," she said.
"If I go out for a meal, I always have to wear something loose, because I know I'll probably expand. In the end, I had to buy a pair of maternity jeans with an elasticated waistband, because they were the only thing I could be comfortable in."
Ms Dowdswell first experienced problems when she went through puberty. But since then her symptoms have worsened.
"I was convinced it was something that I was eating that caused it, so I cut loads of different food groups systematically out of my diet.
"I spent about a year living as a vegan, with no red meat, wheat or dairy - but it didn't stop my stomach from expanding, and I never got to enjoy my food.
"I decided as it wasn't actually causing me any pain, I might as well eat the foods I enjoy, so I eat what I like now and don't deprive myself."
There are many conditions which can lead to bloating. Overindulging with food or drink, lactose intolerance and other food intolerances, coeliac disease and irritable bowel syndrome are some of the more common causes. In some cases, it can even be caused by a tumour.
It's always worthwhile getting it checked out by your doctor to rule out a serious medical condition
