Why is abdomen bloated

If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Abdominal bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal GI tract is filled with air or gas. Most people describe bloating as feeling full, tight, or swollen in the abdomen. Your abdomen may also be swollen distended , hard, and painful.

Bloating is often accompanied by:. Abdominal bloating can interfere with your ability to work and participate in social or recreational activities. Bloating is common among both adults and children. Gas is the most common cause of bloating, especially after eating. Gas builds up in the digestive tract when undigested food gets broken down or when you swallow air.

Everyone swallows air when they eat or drink. But some people can swallow more than others, especially if they are:. Burping and flatulence are two ways swallowed air leaves the body. Delayed emptying of the stomach slow gas transport in addition to gas accumulation can also cause bloating and abdominal distension.

Probiotics may also help with repopulating healthy gut bacteria. Research is mixed on the effectiveness of probiotics. One review found that probiotics have a moderate effect, with a percent agreement on its effect on bloating relief. You can find probiotics in kefir and Greek yogurt.

Probiotic supplements can help improve the bacterial environment in the gut, which can help reduce symptoms of gas and bloating.

Drugs called antispasmodics, which can help reduce muscle spasms, have been shown to be of use Peppermint oil is a natural substance that is believed to function in a similar way Numerous studies have shown that it can reduce various symptoms in IBS patients, including bloating 35 , Peppermint oil has been shown to be effective against bloating and other digestive symptoms, at least in IBS patients.

If you have chronic bloating that causes severe problems in your life, or becomes a lot worse all of a sudden, definitely see a doctor. There is always the possibility of some serious medical condition, and diagnosing digestive problems can be complicated. However, in many cases, bloating can be reduced — or even eliminated — with simple changes in diet.

Looking to get rid of your abdominal bloating? It can interfere with your ability to work and participate in social or recreational activities.

Bloating is often caused by certain foods. This article lists 13 foods that are known to cause bloating, and shows you what to replace them with. When should you see a doctor for bloating and back pain?

Learn what causes these symptoms and how to manage pain at home. Abdominal pain is pain that originates between the chest and the pelvis. Burping, or belching, is the act of expelling gas from the stomach through…. Understanding the differences between stomach bloat and belly fat can help you determine the cause and take appropriate interventions. Trapped gas can be acutely painful. It's usually not serious, but may be a sign of a food intolerance or an underlying digestive problem. Learn about….

If you experience bloating, certain supplements could help alleviate the discomfort. This article walks you through 7 supplements to consider. Bloating can be an uncomfortable issue caused by a variety of factors. Here are 8 ways to debloat. Morning bloating can be caused by what or how you ate the day before, or there could be underlying issues such as food intolerance or inflammation….

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Share on Pinterest. Avoid Swallowing Air and Gases. Be Careful With Sugar Alcohols. Take Digestive Enzyme Supplements. Take Probiotics. SIBO can cause bloating, frequent diarrhea, and may lead to difficulties digesting food and absorbing nutrients.

For some people, SIBO can lead to osteoporosis or unintentional weight loss. Some women find that they are bloated immediately before getting their periods or early in pregnancy. Chronic bloating due to fluid retention could have a more serious cause, such as diabetes or kidney failure. If the bloating does not go away, a person should speak to a doctor. Some people become bloated after eating certain foods. For example, people who are lactose intolerant , or who have a gluten allergy or celiac disease.

The bloating usually goes away on its own but may be linked to diarrhea or stomach pain. Gastroparesis is a disorder that affects normal stomach emptying. The stomach muscles stop working properly, which causes food to pass much more slowly through the stomach and intestines. Another condition, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism , usually causes gastroparesis.

Some gynecological problems cause stomach pain. In some women, endometriosis can cause cramping and bloating. This happens when the lining of the womb attaches to the stomach or intestines. 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. Cancers of the stomach or intestines may also lead to abdominal discomfort and bloating. Ascites is another condition that leads to abdominal pain and bloating. Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity over a period of time.

The most common cause of this is liver disease. Consuming peppermint may help to reduce the symptoms of abdominal bloating. Keeping a food diary to monitor bloating can also be useful. This can help with diagnosing food intolerances and making healthy lifestyle changes. Many people find that simply avoiding certain foods can prevent bloating and other gastrointestinal health issues.

Rarely, bloating could be a sign of something more serious. A person should see a doctor for bloating associated with:. Abdominal bloating can be disconcerting and painful.