Abdominal bloating

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Bloating; Meteorism

Causes

Common causes include:

Air swallowing (a nervous habit)
Constipation
Gastroesophageal reflux
Irritable bowel syndrome
Lactose intolerance and other food intolerances
Overeating
Small 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:

Ascites and tumors
Celiac disease
Dumping syndrome
Ovarian cancer
When the pancreas is not able to make enzymes needed for 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 or 100% bran 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

References

Bailey J. FPIN's Clinical Inquiries: Effective management of flatulence. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79:1098-1100.

Ohge H, Levitt MD. Intestinal gas. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2010:chap 16.

Review Date: 4/17/2012
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. 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. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.

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