Bloating is the sensation of increased abdominal fullness or swelling, which is often accompanied by discomfort or pain. In many cases, it results from gas in the digestive tract, while in others, it stems from fluid buildup. Furthermore, it can vary in severity and duration. It ranges from temporary and mild to chronic and severe.
It affects many people at some point. It occurs frequently in those with gastrointestinal disorders like IBS. However, even healthy individuals experience it due to diet or lifestyle factors.
See your healthcare provider if your bloated stomach:
Diagnosis may involve a detailed medical history, dietary assessment, and physical examination. Furthermore, tests such as abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, or blood tests may be conducted to identify underlying conditions.
Treatment depends on the cause of the bloating. Common approaches include dietary changes, medications to manage gas or digestive issues, and lifestyle modifications such as reducing stress and eating slowly.
Prevention strategies include avoiding known food triggers, eating smaller, more frequent meals, reducing carbonated beverage intake, and practicing good eating habits. Identifying and managing underlying health conditions is also important.
You should consult a doctor if bloating is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms. For example, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. A medical evaluation is necessary to rule out serious conditions.
Home remedies may include drinking herbal teas (such as peppermint or ginger tea), using a heating pad on the abdomen, and engaging in gentle physical activity to help reduce gas and discomfort.
If it is due to something you ate or drank or due to hormone fluctuations, it should begin to ease within a few hours to days. However, if you are constipated, it won’t go down until you start pooping. Water, exercise, and herbal teas can help encourage all of these things. If it doesn’t go away or gets worse, seek medical attention.
Possible causes include gas, constipation, bowel obstructions, motility disorders, weight gain, hormones, ascites, inflammation of the stomach, etc.
© 2025 GI Partners of Illinois, LLC
