The abdomen may also become swollen (distended), hard, and painful. While bloating is often a benign issue, it is important to recognize that other conditions, such as fluid retention or tumors, can also cause an increase in abdominal girth. Consulting a physician is essential to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

Bloating is usually associated with:

• Pain

  
  

• Excessive gas

  
  

• Frequent burping or belching

  
  

• Abdominal rumbling or gurgling

Why Do You Feel Fullness?

Gas is the most common cause of bloating, typically occurring after eating. Everyone swallows some air while eating or drinking, but some people swallow more than others, particularly if they:

• Eat or drink too quickly

  
  

• Chew gum frequently

  
  

• Smoke

Related Medical Conditions

Other causes of bloating may stem from underlying medical conditions, including:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  
  

• Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease

  
  

• Heartburn

  
  

• Weight gain

  
  

• Eating disorders

  
  

• Stress, anxiety, or depression

These conditions contribute to gas and bloating due to factors such as:

• Overgrowth or deficiency of bacteria in the GI tract

  
  

• Gas accumulation

  
  

• Altered gut motility

  
  

• Impaired gas transit

  
  

• Abnormal abdominal reflexes

  
  

• Visceral hypersensitivity (increased sensation of bloating, even with minor changes)

  
  

• Food and carbohydrate malabsorption

  
  

• Constipation

Treatments to Prevent or Relieve Bloating

Lifestyle Changes

• In many cases, symptoms of abdominal bloating can be reduced or prevented with simple lifestyle and dietary changes, including weight management when appropriate. 

Patients should limit behaviors that increase air swallowing, such as:

• Chewing gum

  
  

• Sucking on hard candies

  
  

• Eating too quickly

  
  

• Drinking through a straw, and

  
  

• Lying down immediately after meals. 

  
  

• Carbonated beverages, including soda and beer, should be eliminated.

Certain foods and products known to increase gas and bloating should be avoided, including:

• Raw vegetables, especially those in the cabbage family (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage)

  
  

• Dried beans, lentils, and bran

• Milk and other dairy products

  • Lactose-free options such as Lactaid milk or non-dairy alternatives (soy or almond milk) may be better tolerated

• Sugar-free gum and hard candies, which often contain sweeteners such as sorbitol or mannitol that can cause flatulence

One dietary approach that may be helpful is the low FODMAP diet (fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols), which focuses on eliminating poorly absorbed foods that can contribute to gas and bloating.

Meeting with a dietitian for individualized dietary guidance may be beneficial.

Medications

If lifestyle and dietary changes do not alleviate bloating, patients should consult a physician about additional treatment options. Depending on the underlying cause, medications such as antibiotics, antispasmodics, or antidepressants may be recommended. Some patients with bacterial overgrowth may experience improvement with the occasional use of antibiotics to reduce excess bacteria in the small intestine and decrease gas production. Over-the-counter medications such as simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta) may also help relieve symptoms.

Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

https://gi.org/topics/belching-bloating-and-flatulence/#tabs2