What Is Bloating?

Bloating is usually a result of excess gas that causes a distended abdomen. It also commonly occurs in women during their menstrual cycle about 1 to 2 weeks before the menstrual period.
What Are Symptoms of Bloating?
The main symptoms of bloating include:
- Abdominal distention
- Feeling of fullness in the belly
Bloating may be accompanied by:
- Gas (flatulence)
- Belching
See a doctor if the following symptoms accompany bloating:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Vomiting
What Causes Bloating?
Causes of bloating include:
- Gas buildup in the large intestine (colon)
- The colon bends a lot, and when air (gas) gets trapped in the bends, it may cause cramps or sharp pains
- Causes of gas include:
- Swallowing air, often while eating, drinking, or smoking
- Eating certain foods, such as beans, broccoli, fruit, wheat, potatoes, and corn
- Problems digesting certain foods, such as dairy products and wheat
- Conditions that harm the digestive system
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Gastroparesis
- Certain gynecological conditions
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
How Is Bloating Diagnosed?
Bloating is a symptom of another underlying condition. To diagnose the cause of bloating, tests may include:
- Stool tests to check for blood, unusual levels of fat, and other things
- Blood tests to check for gluten intolerance
- Breath test to check for lactose intolerance or overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines
- X-rays to check the intestines
- Upper endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Pelvic examination in women

QUESTION
Pancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas. See AnswerWhat Is the Treatment for Bloating?
Treatment for bloating depends on the cause and may include:
- Dietary changes
- Eating more slowly
- Lactase supplements to help digest dairy products such as Lactaid
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
- Simethicone (Maalox Anti-Gas, Mylanta Gas, Gas-X, or Phazyme) to help break up gas bubbles in the intestines
- Beano to help digest beans and some vegetables
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to help ease gas
- Digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease, or HCL can help relieve bloating fast
- Prescription medications
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
From 
Digestive Disorders Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
References