Bloating

Definition of Bloating:

Abdominal bloating is the feeling that the abdomen is larger than normal.  It is a common way to describe the discomfort of abdominal fullness or swelling after a meal.  In contrast, abdominal distention is the physical finding that the abdomen measures larger than normal.  Bloating and distention are usually due to increased amounts of gas in the abdomen.

Also: Abdominal Fullness, Bloat, Bloated, Lower Abdominal Fullness

Topics Related to Bloating

(Prescription) Drug Side-Effects

...our question about Abdominal distension, swelling
“Certain medications, including those containing lactulose or sorbitol, may cause bloating.”

Acupuncture

...as a treatment
“...Commonly treated conditions ... Bloating...”
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More topics Related to Bloating

Arabinogalactans

...as a treatment
“...The only known side-effect is occasional bloating and flatulence in a small percentage of people who take it.”

Ascites

...the condition
“...As more fluid accumulates, abdominal distension, pain, discomfort, and bloating are frequently seen...”

Aspartame (Nutrasweet) Avoidance

...as a treatment
“...or changes, impotency and sexual problems, food cravings, weight gain, hair loss / baldness or thinning of hair, burning urination & other urination problems, excessive thirst or excessive hunger, bloating, edema (fluid retention), infection susceptibility, joint pain, brain cancer (in pre-approval studies on animals), death...”

Bile Duct Cancer

...the condition
“...The most common symptoms of bile duct cancer include jaundice and itching (the most common signs), abdominal pain, poor appetite, bloating, weight loss, fever, nausea, or an enlarging abdominal mass...”

Carbohydrate Intolerance

...the condition
“...Symptoms of carbohydrate intolerance include ... abdominal bloating after a meal (especially after sweet, starchy foods)...”

Celiac Disease

...related topic
“...Common symptoms include diarrhea, increased appetite, bloating, weight loss, irritability and fatigue...”

Chamomile

...as a treatment
“...Both species of Chamomile have been used for a variety of ailments including: colic (especially in children), bloat, mild upper respiratory infections, premenstrual pain, anxiety and insomnia...”

Chromium

...as a treatment
“...About two tablespoons, or six tablets, per day supply most of our chromium needs; however, many people – perhaps 30-40% – do not tolerate yeast very well and find that it causes digestive upset or bloating.  If yeast is tolerated, it supplies a great many nutrients and is a low-calorie and low-fat source...”

Constipation

...the condition
“...However the side-effects of a high-fibre diet (including bloating, flatulence and irregular bowel movements) may reduce patient compliance...”

Delayed Gastric Emptying (Gastroparesis)

...the condition
“...The typical symptoms associated with gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting, bloating, weight loss and feeling of fullness after only a small amount of food is eaten...”

Diarrhea

...the condition
“...Diarrhea is best defined as an abnormal looseness of the stool, and may include changes in stool frequency, consistency, urgency and continence, often with the related symptoms of cramping and bloating.  The symptom of diarrhea, however, is to a large extent subjective; people define it based on their own experience...”

Digestive Habit Changes

...as a treatment
“...Those who eat too fast are much more prone to obesity, acid reflux, GERD, gas, bloating and other problems...”

Diverticular Disease

...related topic
“...Diverticulosis may not cause any symptoms but could include mild cramps, bloating and constipation – all of which are common to other conditions such as IBS or ulcers...”

Dyspepsia / Poor Digestion

...the condition
“...Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, shortness of breath, weakness, and dizziness...”

Edema (Water Retention)

...the condition
“...It exacerbates the swelling, abdominal bloating and general physical discomfort but it does not usually cause irritability or depressive symptoms as does classic PMS...”

Endometriosis

...our question about Abdominal distension, swelling
“A study of 51 women, 26 with endometriosis and 25 without, found that a significantly larger proportion of women with endometriosis than control subjects experienced abdominal bloating (96% vs. 64%)...”

Estrogen Replacement

...as a treatment
“...About 5% to 10% of women who take estrogen alone will experience side-effects such as bloating, headaches and breast tenderness...”

Excess Sugar Consumption

...the condition
“...Frequent colds; Migraines; Asthma; Constipation; Headaches; Sinus congestion; Backaches; Depression; Hypoglycemia; Skin itch; Bladder/bowel dysfunction; Diarrhea; Hypothyroidism; Sleepiness; Bloating; Dizziness; Immune system dysfunction; Tension; Blurred vision; Earaches; Indigestion; Visual impairment; Bronchitis; Eczema; Joint/muscle pains; Watery eyes; Candida; Fainting; Lacking mind...”

Fecal Impaction

...the condition
“...The symptoms of fecal impaction include: chronic constipation; leakage of watery stool or liquid; abdominal discomfort; abdominal bloating; abdominal pain and cramping; straining when trying to pass stools; feeling the need to push; nausea; vomiting; headache; unexplained weight loss; weak appetite; hardened areas or masses in...”

Female Infertility

...the condition
“...A woman who suffers from premenstrual symptoms such as bloating and breast tenderness is probably ovulating, so if she is having difficulty becoming pregnant, the cause probably lies elsewhere...”

Fennel

...as a treatment
“...Estragole is a phytoestrogen that mildly mimics the female hormone, estrogen, and was once used to produce a synthetic version used in the treatment of bloating, breast tenderness, other PMS symptoms, and cramping...”

Gallbladder

...related topic
“...pain in the middle-upper abdomen or below the ribs on the right; pain in the back between the shoulder blades; pain under the right shoulder; nausea; vomiting; fever; chills; jaundice; abdominal bloating; intolerance of fatty foods; belching or gas; indigestion.”

Gallstone

...related topic
“...pain in the middle-upper abdomen or below the ribs on the right; pain in the back between the shoulder blades; pain under the right shoulder; nausea; vomiting; fever; chills; jaundice; abdominal bloating; intolerance of fatty foods; belching or gas; indigestion.”

Garlic

...as a treatment
“...Eating more than three raw cloves a day can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea and fever in some people...”

Giardiasis Infection

...recommendation Dairy Products Avoidance
“...Therefore, minimizing consumption of lactose-containing dairy products may improve diarrhea and the abdominal bloating and pain commonly associated with giardiasis...”
...recommendation Prebiotics
“...Only minimal dosages of prebiotics can be used (e.g. 2gm twice daily), as symptoms such as abdominal bloating and flatulence may increase.”

Gluten Sensitivity / Celiac Disease

...the condition
“...Craving high sugar foods; Frequent intestinal bloating or gas especially after eating; Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); Acid reflux / GERD / heartburn; Indigestion; Constipation; Diarrhea; Frequent nausea and or vomiting; Difficulty gaining...”

Gulf War Illness

...the condition
“...and symptoms characterized by disabling fatigue, intermittent fevers, night sweats, arthralgia, myalgia, impairments in short-term memory, headaches, skin rashes, intermittent diarrhea, abdominal bloating, chronic bronchitis, photophobia, confusion, transient visual scotomata, irritability and depression and other signs and symptoms that until recently have defied appropriate diagnoses...”

Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux

...the condition
“...All carbonated beverages increase the risk for symptoms of GERD by bloating the abdomen and causing pressure that forces acid up into the esophagus...”
...relationship to Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency
“...Unexplained bloating, belching and heartburn are frequently diagnosed as symptoms of hyperacidity and sometimes wrongly treated with antacids, when in fact the underlying problem is insufficient acid production.”

Helicobacter Pylori

...related topic
“...which may occur 2-3 hours after a meal, come and go for several days or weeks, occur in the middle of the night when the stomach is empty and be relieved by eating; loss of weight; loss of appetite; bloating; burping; nausea; vomiting.”

High/Increased Fat Diet

...as a treatment
“...Rapidly adding large amounts of fat to the diet could result in physical symptoms such as cramping, bloating and diarrhea, so gradual increases are crucial...”

Hormone Imbalance

...our question about Abdominal distension, swelling
“...with pregnancy or at the start of a menstrual period (these raise progesterone levels) can slow down gut motility and cause food to pass more slowly through the digestive system, sometimes causing bloating and/or constipation.”

Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency

...the condition
“...with hydrochloric acid deficiency include: Asthma; Allergies; Thyroid problems; Acne; Eczema; Lupus; Psoriasis; Gastritis; Osteoporosis; The most common signs and symptoms of HCl deficiency include: Bloating; Nausea and vomiting; Heartburn; Feeling full as soon as you start eating; Excess gas; Loss of taste for meat; Bad breath; Yeast infection; Rectal itching; Laryngitis; Weak/brittle nails...”
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More topics Related to Bloating

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

...the condition
“Alternative names: Spastic Colon Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the intestines affecting perhaps 20% of the adult population that leads to pain, gassiness, bloating, and changes in bowel habits...”
...our question about Bloating after eating certain foods
“...Both of these can cause bloating, which is very common among IBS sufferers...”
...recommendation Slippery Elm
“...Patients using Slippery Elm report significantly increased bowel movement frequency along with less straining, abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence.”
...recommendation High/Increased Fiber Diet
“...High-fiber diets may cause gas and bloating, but within a few weeks these symptoms often go away as the body adjusts to the diet: IBS can be treated in most cases simply by increasing the intake of dietary fiber and eliminating food...”

Inadequate Fiber Intake

...the condition
“...In addition, make sure to consume adequate water to aid in digestion and prevent side effects such as gas and bloating.  Keep your body well hydrated with 6-8 glasses of fluid daily...”

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

...related topic
“...An IBS diagnosis requires at least three of the following symptoms to be present: lower abdominal pain; bloating; constipation; diarrhea, constipation, or alternating diarrhea and constipation; nausea; loss of appetite; tummy rumbling; flatulence; mucus in stools; indigestion; constant tiredness...”

Kidney Disease

...recommendation Bearberry (Uva Ursi)
“...Uva ursi neutralizes acidity in the urine and increases urine flow and may reduce bloating and water retention.”

Lactose Intolerance

...the condition
“...The bacterial wastes combine with sugars to ferment into gas and toxins causing bloating and cramps...”
...related topic
“...Common symptoms, which begin about 30 minutes to two hours after consuming foods or beverages containing lactose, may include: nausea, cramps, bloating, gas and/or diarrhea...”
...our question about Bloating after meals
“...Symptoms include bloating, stomach pain, cramps, gas, or diarrhea...”

Liver Cancer

...the condition
“...But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include ... Swollen abdomen (bloating)...”

Mesenteric Ischemia

...the condition
“...The paralytic stage may follow if ischemia continues: abdominal pain becomes more widespread, the belly becomes more tender to the touch, and bowel motility decreases, resulting in abdominal bloating, constipation, no further bloody stools, and an absence of bowel sounds...”

Myelofibrosis

...the condition
“...The liver and spleen will try to compensate by taking over some of the blood cell production, causing swelling of these organs, which can in turn result in a feeling of abdominal fullness.  Bone pain, difficulty breathing, abnormal/easy bleeding, easy bruising, fatigue, general malaise, weight loss, fever, night sweats, becoming pale (anemia), are also symptoms of...”

Myeloproliferative Neoplasm

...the condition
“...Other signs and symptoms depend on the underlying condition and include ... A feeling of abdominal fullness caused by enlargement of the spleen (Most common in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia and Agnogenic Myeloid Metaplasia)...”

Ovarian Cancer

...our question about Abdominal distension, swelling
“Abdominal swelling/bloating/clothes being too tight is a possible early warning sign...”

Ovarian Cysts

...our question about Feeling of lower abdominal fullness
“Fluid in an ovarian cyst can irritate the lining of the abdomen, creating inflammation which in turn can cause bloating or fullness.”

Pancreatitis

...the condition
“...Other possible symptoms include ... Gaseous abdominal fullness (bloating)...”

Parasite Infection

...the condition
“...Infected individuals may feel bloated, tired and hungry...”

Poor Small Intestine Health

...the condition
“...Symptoms of Small Intestine Dysfunction ... General symptoms of small intestine dysfunction include abdominal bloating and pain, gas, diarrhea, nausea...”

Premenstrual Syndrome

...the condition
“...Some physical symptoms of PMS include ... Abdominal bloating...”
...related topic
“...The symptoms begin about midcycle, are generally the most intense during the last seven days before menstruation and include: anger; acne; backache; bloating; fatigue; headache; sore breasts; changes in sexual desire; depression; difficulty concentrating; difficulty handling stress; irritability; tearfulness.”
...recommendation Magnesium
“...A 1998 study in The Journal of Women's Health found that 200mg a day of magnesium reduced PMS fluid retention, breast tenderness and bloating by 40%.  Magnesium is important to regulate muscle relaxation, blood sugar, and to promote sound sleep – all particularly important during PMS.”
...recommendation Vitex / Chasteberry
“Clinical studies using vitex extract show a reduction in headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue, cravings for sweets, and also feelings of anxiety, irritability, depression and mood swings, after only one month...”

Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache)

...the condition
“...H – which were originally identified by Dr. Guy Abraham, M.D. 'Type H' or 'PMS-H' ("Headaches, Heaviness, Hydration") is characterized by weight gain (greater than three pounds, 1.5kg), abdominal bloating and discomfort, breast congestion and mastalgia, and the occasional swelling of the face, hands and ankles...”

Progesterone Excess

...the condition
“...If a woman has too much progesterone she will suffer from a series of side-effects including fatigue, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, sedation, loss of libido, and vaginal dryness...”

Rapid Stomach Emptying (Gastric Dumping)

...the condition
“...Symptoms of early dumping include nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea and shortness of breath...”

Small Intestine Cancer

...the condition
“...They may include abdominal discomfort associated with nausea, bloating and/or loss of appetite...”

Somatoform Disorder

...the condition
“...Some of these include ... Bloating...”

Stool Exam

...as a treatment
“...Determining the cause of symptoms affecting the digestive tract, including prolonged diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, an increased amount of gas, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, abdominal pain and cramping, and fever...”

Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome

...the condition
“...If you are in any doubt, you should see a doctor who can carry out a proper evaluation of your health ... A bloated feeling after eating...”

Tendency To Develop Polyps

...the condition
“...On rare occasions the bowel may become partially or completely blocked, resulting in symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and (in severe cases) vomiting...”

Vasculitis

...the condition
“...Intestines Inadequate blood flow in the intestines can cause crampy abdominal pain and bloating.  If areas in the wall of the intestine develop gangrene, blood will appear in the stool...”

Vitex / Chasteberry

...as a treatment
“...Vitex and PMS Clinical studies using vitex extract show a reduction in headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, fatigue, cravings for sweets, and also feelings of anxiety, irritability, depression and mood swings, after only one month...”

Yeast / Candida Infection

...the condition
“...Gastrointestinal ... Bloating...”
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