Why do I feel bloated?

Abdominal bloating – or a feeling of fullness or pressure in your belly – occurs when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract fills with air or gas. This uncomfortable, painful feeling can interfere with your daily activities.

What are the symptoms of abdominal bloating?

• Abdominal rumbling or gurgles
• Excessive gas
• Frequent burping or belching
• Stomach pain
• Swollen or hard stomach

What are the causes of abdominal bloating?

Causes may include:

• Chewing gum
• Crohn’s disease
• Eating or drinking too quickly
• Food intolerance, such as to lactose or gluten
• Heartburn
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Smoking
• Ulcerative colitis
• Wearing loose dentures
• Weight gain

What are the treatments for abdominal bloating?

Lifestyle Modifications
Sometimes, abdominal bloating is simply caused by swallowing too much air. In these cases, you should avoid activities that cause you to swallow excess air, including chewing gum, drinking carbonated drinks, or drinking through a straw. Try to eat more slowly.

Diet Modifications
You should avoid gassy foods, such as vegetables in the cabbage family, beans, and lentils. If you are lactose intolerant, you should avoid regular dairy products.

Medications
If lifestyle and diet modifications aren’t enough to correct your abdominal bloating, your GI doctor may prescribe medication to address the underlying cause of your gas or excess air.

How do you test for abdominal bloating?

Your GI doctor will do a complete physical exam and gather your health history to diagnose abdominal bloating.

 

Why choose UHealth?

A broad array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Regardless of your age, condition, or whether you need long- or short-term digestive treatments, you will receive the most accurate diagnosis and most effective treatment to keep your stomach, digestive system, and organs healthy.