What causes abdominal bloating. How can you relieve bloating symptoms. When should you be concerned about abdominal bloating. What are the most effective treatments for chronic bloating.

Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Definition and Common Symptoms

Abdominal bloating is a condition characterized by a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the belly area. It often results in a visibly distended abdomen and can be accompanied by discomfort or pain. Common symptoms associated with bloating include:

• A sensation of fullness or tightness in the abdomen
• Visible swelling or distension of the belly
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Excessive gas and flatulence
• Frequent burping or belching
• Rumbling or gurgling sounds in the stomach

Is bloating always a cause for concern? While occasional bloating is common and often harmless, persistent or severe bloating may indicate an underlying health issue that requires medical attention.

The Most Common Causes of Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal bloating can arise from various factors, ranging from simple dietary choices to more complex medical conditions. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

Dietary Factors

• Overeating or eating too quickly
• Consuming gas-producing foods (e.g., beans, lentils, Brussels sprouts)
• Swallowing air while eating or drinking
• Carbonated beverages
• Chewing gum

Digestive Issues

• Constipation
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Lactose intolerance
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Medical Conditions

• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Ascites
• Ovarian cancer (in rare cases)

Can certain medications cause bloating? Yes, some medications can contribute to abdominal bloating. These include oral diabetes medications like acarbose, as well as some medications containing lactulose or sorbitol.

Diagnosing the Root Cause of Chronic Bloating

Identifying the underlying cause of chronic bloating is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers may use various diagnostic methods to determine the root cause:

• Physical examination and medical history review
• Blood tests to check for infections, allergies, or other conditions
• Stool tests to detect parasites or abnormal bacteria
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy to examine the digestive tract
• Hydrogen breath test to diagnose lactose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth

How long should you wait before seeking medical attention for persistent bloating? If bloating persists for more than two weeks or is accompanied by severe symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Effective Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Bloating

Many cases of abdominal bloating can be managed through simple lifestyle modifications and home remedies. Here are some effective strategies:

Dietary Adjustments

• Identify and avoid trigger foods
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly
• Limit intake of gas-producing foods
• Stay hydrated

Lifestyle Changes

• Regular exercise to promote digestion and reduce constipation
• Stress management techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding chewing gum and carbonated drinks

Natural Remedies

• Peppermint tea or oil to soothe the digestive system
• Ginger to reduce inflammation and aid digestion
• Probiotics to promote gut health
• Activated charcoal to absorb excess gas

Are there any specific exercises that can help relieve bloating? Yes, certain yoga poses like Child’s Pose, Cat-Cow, and Supine Twist can help stimulate digestion and relieve bloating.

Medical Treatments and Interventions for Chronic Bloating

When lifestyle changes and home remedies are insufficient, medical treatments may be necessary to address chronic bloating. These can include:

• Over-the-counter antacids or simethicone for gas relief
• Prescription medications to address underlying conditions (e.g., proton pump inhibitors for GERD)
• Antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth or infections
• Digestive enzyme supplements for pancreatic insufficiency
• Probiotics to restore gut flora balance
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy for stress-related bloating

In some cases, more invasive interventions may be required:

• Endoscopic procedures to treat structural issues in the digestive tract
• Surgery for severe cases of inflammatory bowel disease or other structural problems

How effective are probiotics in treating chronic bloating? While results can vary, many studies have shown that probiotics can be effective in reducing bloating symptoms, particularly in cases of IBS or bacterial imbalance.

The Link Between Diet and Abdominal Bloating

Diet plays a crucial role in the occurrence and management of abdominal bloating. Understanding the connection between what you eat and how it affects your digestive system can help prevent and alleviate bloating symptoms.

FODMAPs and Bloating

FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) are a group of carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine, leading to fermentation and gas production. Foods high in FODMAPs include:

• Certain fruits (e.g., apples, pears, mangoes)
• Some vegetables (e.g., onions, garlic, artichokes)
• Dairy products
• Wheat and rye
• Legumes
• Sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol

A low-FODMAP diet has shown promising results in reducing bloating, especially for individuals with IBS.

Other Dietary Factors

• Fiber intake: While fiber is essential for digestive health, a sudden increase can cause bloating. Gradually increasing fiber intake can help minimize this effect.
• Salt consumption: High sodium intake can lead to water retention and bloating.
• Alcohol and caffeine: These can irritate the digestive system and contribute to bloating in some individuals.

Can certain foods help reduce bloating? Yes, some foods may help alleviate bloating symptoms. These include:

• Bananas (rich in potassium to counteract sodium)
• Ginger (natural anti-inflammatory properties)
• Peppermint (soothes the digestive tract)
• Papaya (contains digestive enzymes)
• Lean proteins (less likely to cause fermentation)

The Role of Gut Health in Preventing Abdominal Bloating

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for preventing and managing abdominal bloating. The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms that play a vital role in digestion, immunity, and overall health.

Factors Affecting Gut Health

• Diet: A diverse, plant-based diet promotes a healthy gut microbiome
• Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact gut health
• Antibiotics: While sometimes necessary, antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome
• Sleep: Poor sleep patterns can affect gut health and digestion
• Exercise: Regular physical activity supports a healthy gut

Strategies to Improve Gut Health

Improving gut health can significantly reduce the occurrence of bloating. Here are some effective strategies:

• Consume probiotic-rich foods (e.g., yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
• Eat prebiotic foods to feed beneficial gut bacteria (e.g., garlic, onions, bananas)
• Stay hydrated to support digestive function
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques
• Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night for adults)
• Engage in regular physical activity

How long does it take to improve gut health? While some changes can be felt within days, significant improvements in gut health typically take several weeks to months of consistent healthy habits.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Abdominal Bloating

While occasional bloating is common and often harmless, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. It’s important to recognize these red flags:

Warning Signs

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Bloating accompanied by fever
• Blood in stools or dark, tarry stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Painful or frequent urination

Is sudden and severe bloating ever a medical emergency? Yes, sudden and severe bloating, especially when accompanied by intense pain, fever, or vomiting, could indicate a serious condition such as intestinal obstruction or appendicitis and requires immediate medical attention.

Chronic Bloating Concerns

If you experience frequent or persistent bloating, even without severe symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. Chronic bloating may indicate underlying conditions such as:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Celiac disease
• Food intolerances or allergies
• Hormonal imbalances
• Certain types of cancer (in rare cases)

A healthcare provider can perform necessary tests and examinations to determine the root cause of chronic bloating and recommend appropriate treatment options.

How often should you have routine check-ups if you experience frequent bloating? For individuals with chronic or recurrent bloating, it’s advisable to have a check-up at least once a year, or more frequently if recommended by your healthcare provider.

The Impact of Stress and Anxiety on Abdominal Bloating

The connection between mental health and digestive function is well-established, with stress and anxiety playing significant roles in the occurrence of abdominal bloating. Understanding this relationship can be crucial in managing bloating symptoms effectively.

The Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system of the gut. This connection explains how stress and anxiety can directly affect digestive function:

• Altered gut motility: Stress can slow down or speed up digestion, leading to constipation or diarrhea, both of which can cause bloating
• Increased gut sensitivity: Anxiety can make the gut more sensitive to normal digestive processes, leading to a perception of bloating
• Changes in gut microbiome: Chronic stress can alter the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to bloating and other digestive issues
• Increased inflammation: Stress can trigger inflammation in the gut, which may contribute to bloating

Managing Stress-Related Bloating

Addressing stress and anxiety can significantly reduce bloating symptoms. Here are some effective strategies:

• Practice mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Ensure adequate sleep
• Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic stress or anxiety
• Try stress-reducing activities like yoga or tai chi
• Maintain a consistent eating schedule to regulate digestion

Can stress-reduction techniques provide immediate relief from bloating? While some techniques like deep breathing can provide quick relief, consistent practice of stress-management strategies over time tends to yield the most significant and lasting improvements in bloating symptoms.

By understanding the various aspects of abdominal bloating – from its causes and symptoms to effective management strategies and when to seek medical help – individuals can take proactive steps to address this common but often troublesome condition. Remember, while occasional bloating is normal, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Abdominal bloating: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the belly (abdomen) feels full and tight. Your belly may look swollen (distended).

Common causes include:

• Swallowing air
• Constipation
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Lactose intolerance and problems digesting other foods
• Overeating
• Small bowel bacterial overgrowth
• Weight gain

You may have bloating if you take the oral diabetes medicine acarbose. Some other medicines or foods containing lactulose or sorbitol, may cause bloating.

More serious disorders that may cause bloating are:

• Ascites and abdominal tumors
• Celiac disease
• Dumping syndrome
• Ovarian cancer
• Problems with the pancreas not producing enough digestive enzymes (pancreatic insufficiency)

You may take the following steps:

• Avoid chewing gum or carbonated drinks. Stay away from foods with high levels of fructose or sorbitol.
• Avoid foods that can produce gas, such as Brussels sprouts, turnips, cabbage, beans, and lentils.
• Do not eat too quickly.
• Stop smoking.

Get treatment for constipation if you have it. However, fiber supplements such as psyllium or 100% bran can make your symptoms worse.

You may try simethicone and other medicines that you can buy at the drugstore to help with gas. Charcoal caps can also help.

Watch for foods that trigger your bloating so you can start to avoid those foods. These may include:

• Milk and other dairy products that contain lactose
• Certain carbohydrates, including fructose (fruit sugar), that are fermentable and thus can produce gas. These carbohydrates are known as FODMAPs.

Contact your health care provider if you have:

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the stools or dark, tarry looking stools
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn that is getting worse
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Bloating; Meteorism

Azpiroz F. Intestinal gas. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 17.

McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 123.

Updated by: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Abdominal Bloating: Causes, Remedies, and More

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Abdominal bloating can interfere with your ability to work and participate in social or recreational activities. Bloating is common among both adults and children.

Abdominal bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with air or gas. Most people describe bloating as feeling full, tight, or swollen in the abdomen. Your abdomen may also be swollen (distended), hard, and painful. Bloating is often accompanied by:

• pain
• excessive gas (flatulence)
• frequent burping or belching
• abdominal rumbling or gurgles

Gas and air

Gas is the most common cause of bloating, especially after eating. Gas builds up in the digestive tract when undigested food gets broken down or when you swallow air. Everyone swallows air when they eat or drink. But some people can swallow more than others, especially if they are:

• eating or drinking too fast
• chewing gum
• smoking
• wearing loose dentures

Burping and flatulence are two ways swallowed air leaves the body. Delayed emptying of the stomach (slow gas transport) in addition to gas accumulation can also cause bloating and abdominal distension.

Medical causes

Other causes of bloating may be due to medical conditions. These include:

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• other functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs)
• heartburn
• food intolerance
• weight gain
• hormonal flux (especially for women)
• giardiasis (intestinal parasite infection)
• eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa
• mental health factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, and more
• some medications

These conditions cause factors that contribute to gas and bloating, such as:

• overgrowth or deficiency of bacteria within the GI tract
• gas accumulation
• altered gut motility
• impaired gas transit
• abnormal abdominal reflexes
• visceral hypersensitivity (feeling of bloating in small or even normal body changes)
• food and carbohydrate malabsorption
• constipation

Serious causes

Abdominal bloating can also be a symptom of several serious conditions, including:

• pathologic fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity (ascites) as a result of cancer (e. g., ovarian cancer), liver disease, kidney failure, or congestive heart failure
• celiac disease, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity
• pancreatic insufficiency, which is impaired digestion because the pancreas cannot produce enough digestive enzymes
• perforation of the GI tract with escape of gas, normal GI tract bacteria, and other contents into the abdominal cavity

Lifestyle changes

In many cases, the symptoms of abdominal bloating can be diminished or even prevented by adopting a few simple lifestyle changes such as losing weight, if you’re overweight.

To reduce swallowing too much air, you can:

• Avoid chewing gum. Chewing gum can cause you to swallow extra air, which in turn can lead to bloating.
• Limit your intake of carbonated drinks.
• Avoid foods that cause gas, such vegetables in the cabbage family, dried beans, and lentils.
• Eat slowly and avoid drinking through a straw.
• Use lactose-free dairy products (if you are lactose intolerant).

Probiotics may also help with repopulating healthy gut bacteria. Research is mixed on the effectiveness of probiotics. One review found that probiotics have a moderate effect, with a 70-percent agreement on its effect on bloating relief. You can find probiotics in kefir and Greek yogurt.

Shop for kefir and Greek yogurt online.

Medications

Talk to your doctor if lifestyle changes and dietary interventions don’t relieve abdominal bloating. If your doctor finds a medical cause for your bloating, they may recommend medical treatments.

Treatments may require antibiotics, antispasmodics, or antidepressants, but it also depends on your condition.

Consult your doctor if bloating is accompanied by any of the following:

• severe or prolonged abdominal pain
• blood in the stools, or dark, tarry looking stools
• high fevers
• diarrhea
• worsening heartburn
• vomiting
• unexplained weight loss

If you don’t already have a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Carbohydrates that make your stomach bloat / Blog / Clinic EXPERT

Bloating (Bloating) is one of the most common problems of the digestive system, with which patients around the world turn to therapists, general practitioners, gastroenterologists. According to some reports, up to 30% of the adult population has some degree of bloating during their lifetime.

Bloating can be a symptom of some disease, but in the vast majority of cases it has an alimentary cause, i.e. related to dietary habits. One of the common causes of increased gas production and, as a result, bloating, is the excessive intake of carbohydrates in the colon. As a result, these carbohydrates become a food source for bacteria, which begin to break them down with the formation of gases.

Normally, a part of food carbohydrates is absorbed by the small intestine (milk sugar lactose, glucose, fructose, etc.). When lactose absorption is impaired, for example, with lactase deficiency, this carbohydrate enters the large intestine and, as a result, increased gas production. Fructose, even in a healthy body, has a limit of absorption in the small intestine: the human body cannot ensure the absorption of large amounts of fructose. Everything that is not digested enters the large intestine and is broken down by bacteria.

Finally, there are carbohydrates that are not absorbed in the small intestine of a healthy person, and their entry into the large intestine with subsequent breakdown and formation of gases is a normal process. However, as soon as there are a lot of these carbohydrates in the diet, more gases are formed, and the patient experiences bloating.

We have previously written about FODMAP carbohydrates, fermentable carbohydrates that are now known to be a common cause of gas and bloating. These include lactose, fructose, fructans, galactans and polyhydric spits (sorbitol, mannitol, etc.). Numerous articles have been written about fructose and lactose, with significant attention paid to polyols (especially in the context of diet therapy for patients with diabetes mellitus).

In this article we will try to deal with galactans (galactooligosaccharides).

When it comes to bloating, it’s helpful to know which carbohydrates are common, what the various carbohydrates are.

1. Simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates, or monosaccharides, are made up of one molecule and cannot be broken down into simpler components. Bright representatives of this group of carbohydrates are glucose (Gl), fructose (F) and galactose (Gal).

2. Complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are built from several monosaccharide molecules and are divided into several subgroups:

A) Disaccharides – consist of 2 molecules of simple carbohydrates.

Examples:

Sucrose (major component of dietary sugar) = glucose + fructose

Maltose = glucose + glucose

Lactose (milk sugar) = glucose + galactose*

Melibiose = glucose a + galactose*

_{*Melebiose is characterized by α( 1 → 6) glycosidic bond between glucose and galactose molecules. Lactose is characterized by a β(1→4)-glycosidic bond between glucose and galactose molecules.}

B) Oligosaccharides – consist of several molecules (3-4 or more) of simple carbohydrates.

Examples:

Raffinose = galactose + sucrose (a disaccharide of glucose and fructose)

Stachyose = galactose + galactose + sucrose

Verbascose = galactose + galactose + galactose + sucrose

9 0002 A feature of these oligosaccharides is that sucrose in they are linked to galactose by an α(1→6) glycosidic bond.

C) Polysaccharides – consist of many simple carbohydrates. Prominent representatives of this subgroup are starch, cellulose, glycogen.

The role of galactans in the development of bloating

Melibiose, raffinose, stachyose and verbascose belong to the group of galactans (or galactooligosaccharides), since they all contain one or more molecules of galactose in their composition.

The α(1→6) glycosidic bond occurs several times above in the text. To people who are far from chemistry, this information may seem redundant. However, it is this chemical bond between carbohydrate molecules that plays an important role in bloating.

The fact is that the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine is possible only if they are presented in the form of monosaccharides, i.e. simple molecules. Therefore, glucose, lactose and fructose are absorbed relatively quickly. More complex carbohydrates for successful absorption must first be broken down into simple components. To do this, there are a number of enzymes that act in the small intestine.

Disaccharides are cleaved by disaccharidase enzymes: lactose – lactase, maltose – maltase, sucrose – sucrase. But the melibiosis disaccharide is not cleaved in the small intestine due to the lack of an enzyme in the human body that cleaves the very (1 → 6) glycosidic bond between glucose and galactose molecules. This enzyme is called alpha-galactosidase and is produced only by intestinal bacteria.

With an excess of non-digestible and non-absorbable carbohydrates from the galactan group (raffinose, melibiose, stachyosis, etc.) in the diet, there is an increased formation of gases due to the breakdown of these substances by colon bacteria.

What foods contain galactans?

Raffinose is found in a variety of foods, but the largest amount is in beans, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, broccoli, whole grains, artichokes, beets, soybeans.

Melibiose predominates in potatoes, coffee beans, mallow, cabbage of all kinds.

Stachyose is found in legumes (beans, soybeans, beans) and also in grapes.

Many patients report bloating with increased gas after eating the following foods: beans (white, red, brown), lentils, cabbage (white, red, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kohlrabi), soybeans and soy products (soybean milk, tofu), grapes, etc. Reason: the presence of raffinose, stachyose and melibiose in these products.

What to do?

Unfortunately, there are no medical tests to detect gas-producing carbohydrates in stools. Establishing a clear relationship between the use of the products described in the previous section and the appearance of a large amount of intestinal gas suggests that the problem is in the carbohydrate composition of the food.

Patients may be advised to limit or (rarely) completely eliminate gas-provoking foods. Usually it is enough to reduce the amount of such a product consumed in one meal.

An additional method of treatment is the appointment of drugs containing the enzyme alpha-galactosidase. This enzyme helps break down bonds within carbohydrates, resulting in simpler molecules that can be absorbed in the small intestine and do not reach the large intestine. Thus, the amount of gas produced by intestinal bacteria is reduced.

6 causes of bloating – Delfi RU

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Business lunch, stress, chewing gum and even a healthy diet can lead to bloating.

patients who say that their abdomen is very bloated after how they eat potatoes, rice or pasta in a restaurant. The reason is the reheating of these starchy foods. With the next exposure to heat, starch changes its molecular structure and takes on a form that is more resistant to digestion. Bacteria from the intestines with greater activity rush to the product, releasing more gases in the process. Here’s your swollen belly!”

If you want to avoid bloating after dinner (it is possible that you have an important business meeting), eat food brought from home without warming up. Or ditch the cheaper set menu (hello, business lunch!) in favor of one prepared just for you.

2. Chewing gum

When you chew gum, you swallow a lot of air. In addition, chewing gum sugar substitutes (such as sorbitol and xylitol) irritate the intestines and can cause bloating.

So, do not get carried away with chewing gum, as well as soda containing “zero calories” due to the absence of sugar.

3. Healthy Diet

Fiber-rich foods such as cereals, legumes, black bread, bran, and just vegetables in large quantities are not exactly friendly to the intestines. As with overheated starches, they cause increased bacterial activity, and this is where gases appear.

Any fad diet, such as a high-protein or high-fiber diet, disrupts the bacteria and causes problems (even in perfectly healthy people!).

4. Antibiotics

Antibiotics not only kill the body’s enemies, but also beneficial bacteria. Ask your doctor to prescribe you along with medicines for illness and means to regulate the microflora in the intestines.