Bloating in the digestive system can cause pain and discomfort. The abdomen may become distended (stick out) and cause symptoms such as a feeling of fullness, pressure, or tightness in the stomach. The symptoms of bloating can range from mild to severe. In some cases, it lasts a long time and disrupts daily life.
This article covers symptoms and causes of bloating, lifestyle factors that may affect symptoms, and when to see a healthcare provider for tests or treatment.
You can manage bloating in many different ways at home. If possible, it may help to know what is causing the bloating. Some over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, supplements, or exercises could help when bloating has started.
Some of these are:
Gas production is a normal part of digestion. It’s produced when bacteria in the gut help break down food. Too much gas or gas that causes bothersome bloating affects between 16% and 31% of the general population.
Swallowing air, acid reflux, or eating a large meal or high-fiber foods could lead to bloating. Having a menstrual period may also cause digestive symptoms. These are usually reasons for temporary bloating.
Extra gas or stool trapped in the digestive system could lead to pain or discomfort. Constipation could also cause bloating, which could be either temporary or chronic (long-lasting). The discomfort may improve after a bowel movement or passing gas through the bottom.
About half of people with bloating also have distention, in which the stomach looks bigger, sticks out, and is uncomfortable.
Distention is associated with several conditions, including common ones like IBS, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and constipation. Inflammatory bowel disease are a group of diseases with inflammation in the digestive system, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. When the digestive system isn’t working as well as it should, you may experience bloating, distention, and pain in the abdomen.
Less common reasons for bloating include cancer, a blockage in the bowel, infection, or liver disease. These may cause symptoms of bloating and pain that become chronic.
Bloating is common and often goes away without any special treatment when it is not related to an ongoing digestive condition. Common symptoms associated with bloating can include:
If the symptoms associated with bloating are not bothersome, they might not need to be diagnosed or treated by a healthcare provider. However, sometimes bloating can cause severe symptoms that can impact daily life or go on for a long time.
In some cases, ongoing problems with bloating and distention are a reason to see a healthcare provider. Symptoms that should be evaluated include:
A physical exam and medical history are often the first steps in finding a reason for bloating. Sharing information about your diet, lifestyle, and medications with a healthcare provider is also important. Knowing how often bloating occurs is also helpful information.
Communicating clearly and effectively with healthcare providers about symptoms of bloating and other digestive problems is essential. Although discussing these personal issues can feel uncomfortable, remember that healthcare providers talk with many people about bowel or digestive issues and will not be surprised by the conversation.
It may help to write down a list of symptoms or questions so that you remember to address them during an appointment.
Bringing a trusted family member or friend along may ease tension, and they can prompt you to bring up important information.
Some healthcare providers might be available by email or through a patient portal to answer questions, which can help bring up more challenging problems in a neutral way.
Some of the tests that might be used when bloating becomes a problem include:
The treatment for bloating will depend on the cause. For bloating not associated with an underlying condition, the following may help:
When a condition causes bloating, medications used may include.
Chronic bloating is a reason to seek care from a healthcare provider. Management might start with some dietary and lifestyle changes, including:
When making changes to diet and lifestyle doesn’t help prevent or control bloating and/or gas in the digestive system, seeking help from a healthcare provider is the next step.
Bloating is a common problem, and many people experience it from time to time. In many cases, the symptoms can be traced back to something like a large meal or a fizzy drink. However, when it becomes painful and consistent and it is accompanied by other symptoms, there may be an underlying condition.
Many common conditions can cause bloating. Treatment will usually address the underlying cause.
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