Abdominal bloating - Symptoms,Causes
Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the abdomen (belly) feels full and tight. The abdomen may be visibly swollen (distended).
Causes
Common causes include:
Air swallowing (a nervous habit)
Constipation
Gastroesophageal refluxGastroesophageal reflux
Irritable bowel syndromeIrritable bowel syndrome
Lactose intoleranceLactose intolerance and other food intolerances
Overeating
Small bowel bacterial overgrowthSmall bowel bacterial overgrowth
Weight gain
The diabetes medication acarbose, as well as any medicine containing lactulose or sorbitol, may cause bloating.
More serious disorders that may cause bloating are:
AscitesAscites and tumors
Celiac diseaseCeliac disease
Dumping syndrome
Ovarian cancerOvarian cancer
When the pancreas is not able to produce enzymes to help digestion (pancreatic insufficiency)
Home Care
You may take the following steps:
Avoid chewing gum or carbonated drinks, especially those with high levels of fructose or sorbitol
Avoid foods such as Brussels sprouts, turnips, cabbage, beans, and lentils
Do not eat too quickly
Stop smoking
If you have constipation, it should be treated. However, fiber supplements such as psyllium can make your symptoms worse.
You may try simethicone and other medicines you buy at the drugstore to help with gas, but these medications are often not helpful.
See: Lactose intolerance for more on how to treat this problem.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call 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
Alternative Names
Bloating; Meteorism
Update Date: Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Abdominal bloating - Symptoms,Causes
