Bloated Stomach: Causes and Treatments

Feeling bloated and heavy after eating is a common problem. Most of the time, a bloated stomach will get better on its own and is not a cause for worry.

However, bloating that happens too frequently or never seems to go away can be a sign of an underlying problem, which may need diagnosis and treatment. Some ideas on how to de-bloat quickly and prevent bloating in the future are listed ahead.

This article will examine some of the potential causes of a bloated stomach and how healthcare providers might diagnose and treat it.

Things to De-Bloat a Heavy Stomach

When bloating becomes a problem, it’s natural to look for something that can offer relief quickly. Some evidence-based tactics may help reduce bloating quickly and prevent it from happening again.

Some of these include:

• Back off an increase in fiber intake: Fiber is important for health, but increasing fiber intake suddenly, either with diet or with supplements, can initially cause bloating.
• Be intentional about eating: Some studies have shown that using mindfulness practices when eating may help with coping with emotional eating or binging.
• Stay hydrated and drink water: Water helps soften the stool and makes it easier to pass, which is especially important if constipation is causing the bloating.
• Limit dairy to avoid bloating caused by lactose intolerance: Cow’s and sheep’s milk and products made from them can cause bloating because many people lack the ability to break down lactose (milk sugar) after the age of 2.
• Limit foods containing FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols): There is evidence that a diet low in FODMAPs, which are types of carbohydrates that are not completely absorbed by the gut, may help people who experience bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (a disorder of communication between the gut and the brain) or functional dyspepsia (in which there are upper digestive system symptoms but no cause can be found).
• Lower your sodium intake: A diet higher in sodium might increase the risk of bloating. Sodium is an important part of diet, but too much sodium has been linked to negative health effects, including abdominal bloating.
• Try over-the-counter (OTC) remedies: Antacids, magnesium supplements, and peppermint oil capsules might be used to combat bloating.
• Try some gentle exercise: Walking or yoga poses may help relieve gas and constipation, which can contribute to bloating.

Symptoms of Bloated Stomach

Bloating is when the abdomen feels full and swollen. It’s a common issue that affects almost everyone on occasion. It often goes away without any special attention or treatment. However, it can be related to a chronic or acute digestive condition in some cases.

Distention occurs when bloating becomes so pronounced that the belly sticks out.

Common symptoms associated with bloating can include:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Abdominal noises (gurgling)
• Belching (burping)
• Feeling full
• Gas
• Stomach pain

Occasional Bloated Stomach Causes

Most people experience bloating from time to time. The cause might be obvious, such as eating a big meal, or it could be more difficult to determine, such as when it is caused by certain medications.

Foods That Cause Gas

Bloating can develop form eating foods that cause gas. The digestive system produces gas as it breaks down foods. Some foods don’t fully digest, but instead are broken down by the bacteria in the intestine and cause gas. Sugars, starches, and fiber, in particular, act in this way.

Drinking carbonated beverages and drinking with a straw, which could lead to swallowing air, may also cause gas and lead to bloating.

Food Intolerances

Sensitivity or intolerance to certain foods may lead to bloating. FODMAPs have been shown to cause bloating in some people. It can be challenging to understand which foods are causing the bloating, which may mean that the symptoms come and go. People who also have IBS may be especially sensitive to certain foods and experience bloating after meals.

Medications

Some medications and supplements may cause bloating. Fiber supplements, in particular, may lead to bloating, which may get better over time as the body adjusts to the increased fiber in the digestive system.

Medications and supplements that could cause symptoms of bloating include:

Constant Bloated Stomach Causes

Bloating could also be a longer-lasting problem. Certain conditions can lead to bloating that doesn’t go away on its own.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Bloating is not listed as being part of the criteria for diagnosing IBS. However, a significant number of people with IBS report it as being a problem that impacts their lives. The subtypes of IBS include diarrhea-predominant, constipation-predominant, and IBS with mixed bowel habits. Bloating doesn’t appear to be associated with any particular form of IBS more than the others.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Once thought of as pseudoscience, SIBO is now a recognized condition. In SIBO, excess bacteria grow in the small intestine, with bloating as one of the symptoms. It can occur on its own or be connected to other conditions. It might also be associated with medications such as opioids and steroids.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease occurs when the immune system reacts to gluten by attacking the lining of the small intestine. Foods that contain gluten include wheat, barley, and rye. Once thought of as rare or a condition of childhood, celiac disease is now known to affect people throughout their lifetime and cause many symptoms within the body.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) and Gluten Intolerance

People may have a sensitivity or intolerance to gluten, which is different from celiac disease. This could cause bloating and sometimes diarrhea or constipation. A person with NCGS could have a reaction to gluten or certain types of sugars. It may be difficult to distinguish NCGS from a sensitivity to FODMAPs.

Gastroparesis and Functional Dyspepsia (FD)

Gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia are both under the umbrella term of motility disorders, and bloating may occur in these disorders.

Functional dyspepsia may be diagnosed when symptoms affect the upper digestive system, but no obvious cause is found. Gastroparesis is when the stomach does not empty itself of food properly. Both conditions could lead to bloating and distention.

How to Medically Treat Bloated Stomach Discomfort

Bloating can be treated in various ways, depending on the cause. Prescription medications might be used to treat the cause of bloating. The medication used depends on the underlying cause and related conditions. These can include:

• Antispasmodics, which work on the muscles in the digestive tract to stop contractions
• Ibsrela (tenapanor), which reduces sodium levels in the digestive system
• Laxatives, which are used to treat constipation
• Proton pump inhibitors, which slow down acid production in the stomach
• Secretagogues such as Amitiza (lubiprostone), Linzess (linaclotide), or Trulance (plecanatide), which are used to treat constipation
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which may help with the discomfort of bloating
• Tricyclic antidepressants, which are used for IBS and functional dyspepsia (in lower dosages than they are used for mental health conditions)
• Xifaxan (rifaximin), an antibiotic that may be used to treat SIBO

Nondrug Treatment

Dietary changes might also be tried. In the case of celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is the only treatment. Gluten might also be avoided for those who have NCGS or a gluten intolerance. Avoiding FODMAPs can also help those who have IBS or other conditions that include intolerances to those foods.

Some types of mental health treatments (including cognitive behavior therapy and hypnotherapy) have been shown to help with IBS and chronic constipation. These methods might be used to address the symptoms of these conditions, including bloating.

Complications From Bloated Belly Pain

Bloating can significantly impact quality of life. For those coping with painful bloating, it could affect their ability to carry out daily tasks at work, school, and home.

When bloating and pain become significant, they could lead to seeking care from a healthcare provider or even the emergency department. This can be costly and lead to absences from work or school.

Not knowing when bloating may occur could also affect mental health. It could lead to less enjoyment of food and restricting food in an effort to reduce bloating. The time and energy spent trying to avoid symptoms or coping with them when they do occur can drain physical and mental energy.

Testing Providers Might Use for Diagnosis

When bloating and pain or distention are chronic problems, a healthcare provider may give you a referral to a specialist called a gastroenterologist. Gastroenterologists have training in diseases and conditions of the digestive system. People experiencing bloating may also decide to ask for a referral when bloating becomes an ongoing problem.

A gastroenterologist may start the examination process with a thorough history and a family history of digestive problems. Several different types of tests may be used to get more information on the cause of bloating.

This could include:

• Abdominal ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to see the organs and structures in the abdomen.
• Abdominal X-rays might show structural issues in the organs of the abdomen.
• Blood tests can provide information about inflammation or imbalances within the body.
• Colonic transit tests might be done by swallowing a capsule or tracking food as it traverses the digestive system.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan is an X-ray used to create a three-dimensional (3D) image of body structures.
• Defecography is a type of X-ray used to look at what happens during a bowel movement.
• Digital rectal exam is where a gloved, lubricated finger is inserted briefly into the anus to feel for abnormalities.
• Gastric emptying study uses radioactive isotopes to follow the digestion of food.
• Hydrogen-based breath testing is used to diagnose SIBO.
• Manometry tests detect whether muscles in the digestive system are working correctly.

Living With Chronic Stomach Bloat

For most people, bloating comes and goes, but it can become chronic for those with an underlying condition. Finding a cause and an effective way to treat it takes time, patience, and dedicated healthcare providers.

Keeping a food and symptom diary and including details about meals, such as where they were eaten or any emotions, can be helpful in tracking down triggers. A healthcare provider can offer suggestions on how to manage diet to help avoid possible triggers.

Getting a referral to a gastroenterologist is another key part of learning more about what could be causing bloating. Digestive specialists have a variety of guidelines and tests available to understand the underlying cause and treat it.

Summary

Bloating is a common problem that may resolve on its own and usually does. Over-the-counter treatments and dietary changes often are the initial steps in managing bloating.

However, bloating can become a recurrent problem when an underlying condition causes it. To get a diagnosis and treatment, you can work with a team of healthcare providers, including a dietitian, a gastroenterologist, and a mental health specialist.