Abdominal Bloating Overview

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. Individuals 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:

  • Does not get worse with time
  • Goes away within a day or two
  • Is associated with food or eating


Causes of Abdominal Bloating

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:

  • Feeling nauseous
  • Frequent burping
  • Passing too much gas
  • Feeling a sudden urge to pass stool

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:

  • A stomach infection
  • Certain foods, including carbonated beverages, dairy, beans, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage
  • Swallowing air while eating or chewing gum 
  • Chronic illnesses, such as celiac disease orirritable 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:

  • A minor stomach infection
  • Drinking excessive alcohol
  • Eating too much
  • Taking medications that irritate the stomach, such as ibuprofen 

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:

These can occur due to bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Helicobacter pylori — or a viral infection such as norovirus or rotavirus.

Some stomach infections may go away on their own after a few days. However, some infections do not resolve without treatment. As such, if symptoms persist for over a week, it is advisable to contact a doctor.

Individuals should also contact a doctor if the bloating coincides with:


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, metabolic bone disease, 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 intolerance, or celiac disease. Bloating can be linked to diarrhea or stomach pain and will go away by removing the problem-causing food.

Chronic Disorders

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBS often produce bloating. For example, Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD and 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 IBD 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:

Diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, as well as certain gastrointestinal surgeries, can 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:

  • Certain Medicines
  • Dehydration 
  • Food intolerance 
  • Certain bowel disorders
  • Not enough fiber in the diet
  • Pregnancy
  • Nutrient deficiencies, including magnesium

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.

Treatment of Abdominal Bloating

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

  • Avoid foods that cause bloating
  • Chew food slowly
  • Drink more water
  • Reduce sodium in the diet
  • Eliminate chewing gum
  • Exercise regularly

Home Remedies

  • Applying a heating pad to the stomach 
  • Drinking a mixture of baking soda and water
  • Eating peppermint
  • Drinking apple cider vinegar

OTC Medications

These include the following:

  • Antacids to calm excess acid (Tums, Mylanta, Maalox)
  • Bismuth salicylate to inhibit bacterial infection (Pepto-Bismol)
  • Food supplements to break down problem proteins or sugars (Beano, Lactaid)
  • Laxative to relieve constipation (Ducolax)
  • Rectal suppository or enema to have a bowel movement (Fleet)

Prescription Medications

A doctor may also prescribe the following medication:

  • 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 Celexa may help reduce the discomfort of bloating

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