Abdominal bloating: Causes, symptoms and remedies

There are many causes of abdominal bloating, including gas, fluid retention, irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances, menstrual symptoms, and infection. People can often treat bloating at home, but some causes may need medical attention.

Abdominal bloating — an uncomfortable, full feeling in the belly area — can be alarming, particularly when painful. The abdomen can look larger than usual or be shaped abnormally. Persons may also have piercing abdominal pain. Yet, most times, the cause may just be indigestion or gas building up in the stomach and gut.

Usually, bloating is not a concern if it:

• is associated with food or eating
• does not get worse with time
• goes away within a day or 2

In this article, we look at the causes of abdominal bloating, treatments, and how to know when to see a doctor.

Abdominal bloating is common. Many people experience the same type of bloating again and again. Normally, bloating that follows a predictable pattern is not a worry.

When the pattern changes or bloating becomes worse than expected, it may be one of the following conditions:

Gas

A buildup of gas in the stomach and intestines is among the most common causes of bloating. Other symptoms include:

• frequent burping
• passing too much gas
• feeling a sudden urge to pass stool
• feeling nauseous

Bloating caused by gas may cause mild discomfort up to intense pain. Some people describe feeling that there is something trapped inside their stomach.

Possible causes of gas include:

• certain foods, including carbonated beverages, dairy, beans, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage
• swallowing air while eating or chewing gum
• a stomach infection
• chronic illnesses, such as celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• indigestion

In most cases, gas goes away on its own after a few hours.

Indigestion

Indigestion, sometimes called dyspepsia, is discomfort or pain in the stomach that can include bloating. Most people experience brief episodes of indigestion from time to time.

It is often caused by:

• eating too much
• drinking excessive alcohol
• taking medications that irritate the stomach, such as ibuprofen
• a minor stomach infection

Frequent indigestion with bloating that does not appear to be associated with food or other apparent causes could be a sign of something more serious. Potential serious causes include a stomach ulcer or stomach cancer.

Infection

Stomach infections can cause bloating, which may be accompanied by:

• diarrhea
• vomiting
• nausea
• stomach pain

These can be caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Helicobacter pylori — or a viral infection such as norovirus or rotavirus.

Stomach infections usually go away on their own after a few days. However, some people may become severely dehydrated or continue to get worse over several days.

These individuals should see a doctor if the bloating coincides with:

• fever
• bloody stool
• severe and frequent vomiting

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

The stomach and intestines are home to various bacteria, which help the body digest food. Disturbing the balance of bacteria can lead to an increase in harmful bacteria in the small intestine. This is known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO.

SIBO can cause bloating, frequent diarrhea, and difficulties digesting food and absorbing nutrients. These chronic symptoms may lead to osteoporosis or weight loss in some people.

Fluid retention

Salty foods, changes in hormone levels, and food intolerances can cause a person’s body to hold more fluid than it would otherwise. For instance, some females may become bloated right before their periods or early in pregnancy.

Chronic bloating caused by fluid retention could have a more serious cause, such as liver or kidney failure or diabetes. If the bloating does not go away, a person should speak with a doctor.

Food intolerances

Some people become bloated after eating certain foods — for example, people who have lactose intolerance, gluten allergy, or celiac disease. Bloating can be linked to diarrhea or stomach pain and will go away by removing the problem-causing food.

Chronic disorders

Crohn’s disease and IBS often produce bloating. Crohn’s disease digestive tract inflammation and has a specific course and treatment. In contrast, the cause of IBS is unknown and is often diagnosed when there is no specific reason for symptoms.

Both IBS and Crohn’s can cause gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. If a person is also experiencing unexplained weight loss, they’re more likely to have Crohn’s disease.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a disorder that affects regular stomach emptying. As a result, the nerves that regulate stomach motion stop working correctly, which causes food to pass much more slowly through the stomach and intestines.

Symptoms include:

• bloating
• constipation
• feeling full quickly when eating
• loss of appetite
• heartburn
• nausea and vomiting
• pain and discomfort

Diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism sometimes cause gastroparesis.

Gynecological disorders

Some gynecological problems cause bloating, such as a monthly period or menopause. Also, endometriosis — in which the womb lining attaches to the stomach or intestines — can cause bloating, cramping, and stomach pain.

Women with early ovarian cancer may have bloating as the only symptom of a problem. However weight gain, constipation, and pain could also occur.

Constipation

Bloating begins when food contents build up in the gut. This condition — called constipation — can come from:

• dehydration
• not enough fiber in the diet
• food intolerance
• pregnancy
• certain bowel disorders
• nutrient deficiencies, including magnesium
• certain medicines

In most people, laxatives, exercise, drinking water, or changing the diet can resolve episodes of constipation and bloating.

Other causes

Less commonly, abdominal bloating may be due to other serious conditions. People with gallstones or gallbladder disease may experience intense abdominal pain that mimics bloating.

Ascites, a pool of fluid in the abdominal cavity is another condition that leads to abdominal pain and bloating. The most common cause of this fluid buildup is liver disease.

Bloating can usually be safely treated at home by using lifestyle changes, home remedies, or over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Keeping a food diary to monitor bloating is helpful as this aids with diagnosing food intolerances and making healthy lifestyle changes. Many people find that avoiding certain foods prevents bloating and other gastrointestinal health issues.

Some options that may help include:

Lifestyle changes

• drink more water
• reduce sodium in the diet
• eliminate foods that cause bloating
• chew food slowly
• eliminate chewing gum
• regular exercise

Home remedies

• eating peppermint
• drinking a mixture of baking soda and water
• drinking apple cider vinegar
• applying a heating pad to the stomach

OTC medications

These include:

• antigas products to break up gas pockets (simethicone)
• food supplements to break down problem proteins or sugars (Beano, Lactaid)
• antacids to calm excess acid (Tums, Mylanta, Maalox)
• bismuth salicylate to inhibit bacterial infection (Pepto-Bismol)
• laxative to relieve constipation (Ducolax or Senakot)
• rectal suppository or enema to have a bowel movement (Fleet)

Prescription medications

A doctor may also prescribe:

• antispasmodics can relax the muscles and help relieve bloating
• certain antibiotics in cases of IBS or bacterial overgrowth in the abdomen
• prokinetics can speed up digestion, which may reduce bloating
• certain antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa) may help reduce bloating

Rarely, bloating is a sign of something more serious. A person should see a doctor for bloating or gas associated with:

• intense pain
• a fever
• vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours
• difficulty keeping food down
• bloody stools
• a physical injury, such as a punch to the stomach or a car accident
• rapid swelling of the abdomen
• surgery
• liver or kidney failure

Abdominal bloating can be upsetting and painful. There are many simple causes of abdominal bloating, such as gas, constipation, indigestion, food intolerance, and fluid retention.

These symptoms are easily treated with home remedies, lifestyle changes, OTC medications, and prescription medications.

For most people, the cause can be treated at home and is something simple. A person should speak with a doctor if the symptoms worsen or do not go away after a few days.

When should I be worried about bloating?

If bloating patterns have changed suddenly or are getting worse for no reason, a person should see a doctor.

Bloating with bloody stools, fever, intense pain, inability to eat, or frequent vomiting can be serious and need urgent care.

What relieves abdominal bloating?

Treat causes of abdominal bloating with home remedies or OTC medications. For example, try walking or moving around, using an antacid or antigas medicine, drinking some water, or using a heating pad.

Why do I look pregnant from bloating?

A swollen belly that looks like pregnancy can be from a condition called ascites. This condition can be related to liver problems, so it is essential to get urgent care.

What causes lower vs. upper abdominal bloating?

Upper abdominal bloating may be related to slow movement of the intestine called gastroparesis, swallowing air while eating, an infection, or overeating. Lower abdominal bloating can be from constipation, IBS, gas caused by food intolerance, or fluid retention.

I have had a sudden change in bowel movements and have frequent bloating.

What could this be?

The doctor should check for any sudden changes in bowel habits with bloating. In rare cases, these symptoms could be related to ovarian cancer or colon cancer.

Read the article in Spanish.

Signs that shouldn’t be ignored

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Gastrointestinal disease

HIGHLIGHTS:

• A bloated stomach that lasts longer than 2 weeks after taking medications, weight loss, pale skin, loss of appetite and yellowing of the skin can be warning signs of cancer.
• Sitting too long without exercise can contribute to stomach bloating.

Although a bloated stomach is a common symptom that is not harmless, it can actually be a sign of something serious. A bloated stomach that lasts longer than 2 weeks after taking medications, weight loss, pale skin, loss of appetite and yellowing of the skin can be warning signs of cancer. Bloating should not be ignored.

A bloated stomach occurs when the stomach or intestine fills with air/gas, causing physical discomfort, stomach pain, nausea or poor appetite. Air or gas in the stomach is typically caused by swallowing air while eating certain types of foods, smoking and chewing gum. Some medications can cause bloating as a side effect, such as sleeping pills, sedatives and antidepressants which influence the nervous system in a way that can lessen bowel contractions, resulting in bloating.

Some people have a bloated stomach for a long period of time due to gastrointestinal tract disease, including gastritis, gastric ulcer, gastrointestinal or colorectal cancer, parasitic infection, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal dysfunction, and other system disorders such as thyroid and diabetes, which can contribute to stomach bloating that requires detailed examinations.

Are bloated stomachs and stomach fullness the same or different?

A bloated stomach and stomach fullness are symptoms of having excessive gas in the stomach, causing discomfort, a feeling of fullness, a swollen stomach after a meal, nausea, excessive flatulence, and feeling better after belching or passing wind.

Treatment

If you have the above symptoms without warning signs, you can use carminatives or medications that help with digestion, and change dietary habits. However, if the symptoms last longer than 2 weeks after taking medications, please consult a doctor for detection of the cause of the symptoms.

Basic Self-Management

• Avoid high-fat foods that are difficult to digest.
• Do not eat a big meal.
• Chew food thoroughly.
• Sitting too long without exercise can contribute to stomach bloating. Exercise regularly.

Do not leave a “bloated stomach” untreated. Although bloating is a common symptom that is not harmless, it can actually be a sign of something serious or lead to other conditions.

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Benjarat Promjunyakul, M.D.

Gastroenterology

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What helps with bloating?

Pain and cramps in the abdomen, a feeling of heaviness, “accelerated” bowel movements in the form of diarrhea and vice versa, its “slowdown” in the form of constipation, flatulence – each of these symptoms may hide some kind of disease, and reasons to postpone a visit to the doctor No.

WHAT TO DO – AND WHO IS TO BE LAUNCHED?

Any state of discomfort in the abdomen gives a person a lot of trouble. A person’s mood deteriorates sharply, efficiency drops, in a word – there are noticeably fewer reasons to enjoy life.

But descriptions and symptoms of this condition, each person can bring a lot! This is a feeling of heaviness, and the need to urgently empty the intestines, and flatulence (increased gas formation), and simply “abdominal pain”. Of course, such a “variant” of discomfort in the abdomen as bloating also appears in this list, adding “solidity” and “heaviness” to it.

One of the natural causes of bloating is, of course, increased gas formation in the intestines, when “excessive” gases simply do not find a way out and literally “tear” the stomach. But what is the reason for “excessive” gas formation?

Of course, if such cases are of a one-time nature in a person, most likely, the matter is in the use of certain products, for example, legumes, white cabbage, radishes. Or drinks that already contain gas, that is, carbonated. It is possible that an “additional” portion of gas was obtained as a result of conversations over food: yes, the rule “when I eat, I am deaf and dumb” appeared for a reason, but as a preventive measure that prevents unpleasant sensations and awkward states from arising!

A reasonable way out in this case is to be more careful about choosing a menu and not to load your own intestines with “promising” products in terms of gas formation and other gourmet “weights”.

However, if the symptoms and unpleasant sensations of bloating and other discomfort in the abdomen become constant companions of a person, they appear as if by themselves, without a specific reason – this is, as they say, a completely different story.

BLOAT AND ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT: POSSIBLE CAUSE – IBS

Pain and cramps in the abdomen, a feeling of heaviness, “accelerated” bowel movements in the form of diarrhea and vice versa, its “slowdown” in the form of constipation, flatulence – each of these symptoms may hide some kind of disease, and there is no reason to postpone a visit to the doctor. And gas formation in this series of symptoms is no exception, the cause of bloating, like any discomfort in the abdomen, must be identified.

However, it may also happen that even the most reliable methods of research will not reveal this cause. A strange condition will arise: no infections or pathologies are found in a person, while painful symptoms persist. There is no reason… but there must be!

There really is a reason. A very likely diagnosis in this condition is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In fact, this is his chronic functional disorder. And the disorder is quite “multifaceted”. It is quite capable of providing a person with abdominal pain, and a feeling of heaviness, and flatulence, and alternating constipation with diarrhea, and other sensations and symptoms that just fit into the concept of “abdominal discomfort.” And bloating as well.

In the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, doctors recommend removing the symptoms of the disease, and to eliminate the cause of the syndrome, the drug Kolofort. According to the instructions for the use of Colofort, the drug restores the nervous regulation of the intestine and normalizes its motility. With a course intake, Colofort reduces the intensity and frequency of abdominal pain, reduces the manifestations of flatulence, and also normalizes the frequency and shape of the stool both with constipation and diarrhea.

“MAN IS WHAT HE EATS”

What is the reason that the intestine goes into a state of “irritability”?

According to experts, it is more correct to talk about a combination of several reasons. These are certain disorders of the nervous connections between the intestines and parts of the brain, and hereditary predisposition, and malnutrition and lack of physical activity.

Another serious risk factor is an unstable emotional state of a person. Yes, the “heaviness” of life in the form of constant stress, chronic overwork – it may well turn into the fact that there will be heaviness in the abdomen, and flatulence, and other symptoms. To some extent, this is the reason for the “double action”: after all, the state of discomfort in the abdomen clearly affects a person’s emotions in an extremely negative way, and a kind of “vicious” circle arises.

Is it possible to break out of it, and the best thing is not to get hit at all?

Nothing is impossible, as you know, for a reasonable person. Form your diet, including taking into account the possible “production of gas” by products. Observe all known rules for eating. Learn to deal with life’s hardships.

And be sure to move more and smile more. And then the reasons for the state of discomfort in the abdomen will become noticeably less.

what is the reason and what to do?

Let’s figure out why bloating occurs after eating, whether the products are the only ones to blame and what to do to avoid this problem.

Contents

• 1. What does bloating mean
• 2. Causes of bloating
• 3. How to get rid of bloating
• 4. How the FODMAP diet can help with bloating
• 5. What does bloating mean

What does bloating mean

Bloating is usually understood as a feeling of an enlarged stomach caused by increased gas production. Stretching of the abdominal cavity due to these processes causes a visible increase in the abdomen .

Photo by sutirta budiman / Unsplash

These symptoms can be a sign of an illness such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But most often, bloating occurs in healthy people due to dietary habits.

Why bloating occurs

Reason 1: dysbacteriosis

The human gut is home to trillions of bacterial cells that make up the gut microbiota.

These bacteria perform essential tasks like breaking down fiber, producing nutrients such as vitamins and short chain fatty acids, and supporting your immune system.

When the ratio of bacterial species in the intestine changes due to antibiotics, stress or other causes, dysbacteriosis develops .

Intestinal dysbacteriosis may be accompanied by bloating and increased gas formation

This condition causes a host of digestive disorders, from discomfort and flatulence to diarrhea and vomiting.

Diversity of bacterial species in your gut microbiota is an indicator of health. Microbiota ratios can be assessed and improved using the Atlas Microbiota Test .

Cause 2: Gastrointestinal disorders

There are several bowel disorders that commonly cause bloating after meals.

For example, if bacteria in the small intestine grow excessively as with bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO), the reaction to food may be more violent.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) causes a similar condition, with abdominal pain first followed by bloating.

Leaky gut syndrome is not really considered a disease, but the condition of the mucosa can really affect well-being. The increased permeability of the intestinal wall causes chronic inflammation and a range of unpleasant symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea and constipation.

Reason 3: Diet

Certain foods cause some people to feel bloated after eating. For example, whole grains, legumes, and some vegetables, while healthy, can lead to gas.

Photo by Süheyl Burak / Unsplash

👆The more you eat legumes and cruciferous vegetables, the less your gut bacteria produce gas. If your diet is usually low in these foods, add them gradually. This will help prevent excessive gas formation.

Salt also causes bloating because it causes the body to retain water. And the use of carbonated drinks increases the accumulation of gases in the body.

Treatment for bloating

1. Find the cause

The first step to solving a problem is to understand the causes.

• stress,
• diet,
• sedentary lifestyle,
• swallowing food too quickly,
• dysbacteriosis,
• irritable bowel syndrome,
• food intolerance.

It is important to remember: each person’s body is individual. What causes bloating in one person may be completely normal for another.

Therefore, it is not worth blindly blaming stress or diet. Observe yourself and try to keep a bloating diary. Write down everything you eat and drink, along with information about exercise, medications, and how you feel after eating.

Photo by Paico Oficial / Unsplash

When it becomes clear whether bloating occurs more often after certain foods or stress, you can proceed to the second step.

Try to limit one by one the factors that cause discomfort and see if they are the cause.

2. Add some exercise

A simple walk can help reduce bloating.

Gentle exercise is better than intense exercise because intense exercise slows down the digestive tract and redirects energy to the muscles.

3. Add fermented foods

If the microbial balance in the gut is out of whack, foods with probiotics in the diet can help restore balance.

Photo by Daniel Cabriles / Unsplash

Fermented foods such as kefir and yogurt, which contain strains of beneficial bacteria, can help with bloating.

4. Chew slowly

Eating is not a marathon. When you stuff food in in a hurry, you swallow a lot of air. This leads to the formation of a large amount of gas after eating and can lead to belching.

Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes / Unsplash. Try to pay more attention to the beauty and content of the dish, as well as the feel of each bite

If you eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly, it will be easier for intestinal bacteria to break down food particles that have fallen on them, and as a result, microorganisms will produce less gases.

This will not only reduce the amount of air you breathe in, but it will also help you feel fuller, so you will eat less junk food. And this is a win for your waist.

5. Reduce soda

If you are experiencing bloating after a small meal, it may not be what you eat, but what you drink.

Effervescent or carbonated drinks cause carbon dioxide to build up in the body, bloating the stomach, resulting in gas immediately after eating.

Photo by Mariah Hewines / Unsplash

The best drink to combat this is water. Without gas . If you, like many others, don’t like the taste, try adding a bit of flavor, like a slice of lemon or lime.

6. Add less salt

Salt causes the body to retain water, which is why we feel thirsty after eating salty foods. It can also change the composition of the gut microbiota, reducing the abundance of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus .

Photo by Emmy Smith / Unsplash

Reducing your salt intake can help relieve symptoms of bloating.

Most sodium comes from processed foods and restaurants, so try to cook at home and use herbs and spices to flavor your meals.

FODMAP anti-bloat diet

Food often triggers gastrointestinal symptoms.

A diet low in FODMAPs—fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols—is sometimes used to control symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

This is a list of types of fermentable fiber that the body hardly digests. For some people, they cause bloating and excessive gas.

Photo by John Cameron / Unsplash

To correct this problem, a doctor may prescribe a FODMAP diet to identify the foods that are causing the adverse reaction.

This diet should only be followed with the advice and supervision of a nutritionist.

You can find out how your gut bacteria break down certain types of fiber by taking the Atlas Microbiota Test. You will receive personalized and understandable recommendations to help improve the functioning of the microbiota and improve digestion.

More articles on how to improve digestion on the Atlas blog: irritable bowel drome

• Apiroz, F and Malagelada , J, R. Abdominal Bloating, 2005
• Brown, K et al. Diet-Induced Dysbiosis of the Intestinal Microbiota and the Effects on Immunity and Disease, 2012
• Chang, L et al.