Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Abdominal Bloating?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Abdominal bloating occurs when a person‘s abdomen feels overly full and tight. In such a case,the affected person's abdominal area may seem swollen, and his clothes may feel tighter than usual. Often, this bloating is caused by such issues as gas, constipation, lactose intolerance, indigestion, or overeating. Sometimes, however, bloating may have more troubling causes, such as tumors or dumping syndrome, which is a condition in which food moves to a person’s small intestine faster than normal.

In most cases, abdominal bloating isn’t a sign of anything serious. Instead, it usually occurs when a person has overeaten or consumed gassy food. Sometimes it develops because of lactose intolerance or in relation to a woman’s menstrual period. In fact, an individual may even develop temporary bloating if he swallows a lot of air, which may occur if he talks a good deal during meals or chews gum.

Eating lots of salt can cause bloating.
Eating lots of salt can cause bloating.

Sometimes a person may have bloating because he is constipated. Bloating may also occur when a person has a condition such as gastroesophageal reflux or irritable bowel syndrome. A person may also deal with bloating after consuming food or drinks that are irritating to his digestive tract. Weight gain may cause it as well.

While bloating is usually not a sign of a worrisome condition, it may sometimes develop in relation to a serious disorder. For example, a person may experience bloating when he has liver disease or a benign or malignant tumor. Sometimes a person with celiac disease will experience it as well. Celiac disease is a condition in which a person’s intestinal lining fails to absorb certain nutrients that are necessary for good health.

Drinking water can help with bloating.
Drinking water can help with bloating.

Often, the best treatment for abdominal bloating is prevention. A person who wants to prevent bloating may avoid foods that contribute to gas, such as soda, cabbage, and beans. He may also do well to avoid eating too fast, smoking, chewing gum, or talking a lot during meals. Additionally, there are some over-the-counter medications and home remedies that are said to help relieve or prevent the accumulation of abdominal gas, but they may not always work.

Chewing gum may increase bloating.
Chewing gum may increase bloating.

Though abdominal bloating is often harmless, there are times when it may be an indication that something is seriously wrong. An individual may do well to seek a doctor's advice for bloating that seems persistent and is accompanied by pain, diarrhea, or bloody stools. Weight loss and worsening heartburn are also signs that a doctor's advice may be needed.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

SarahGen

Does anyone know of any remedies for excessive abdominal bloating during menstruation? During my period, I get so bloated that I can't fit into my pants.

discographer

@MikeMason-- Yes, I have the same issue and I believe the cause is non-Celiac gluten sensitivity. It's difficult to diagnose gluten sensitivity because it's not always extreme and allergy tests may not pick up on it.

But if you regularly experience abdominal bloating symptoms, indigestion and fatigue after eating gluten, clearly you have a sensitivity to it.

Try to avoid gluten for a few weeks and see how you feel. If the bloating goes away, you may want to consider going gluten-free altogether.

stoneMason

I know that I don't have Celiac disease. I was tested for it once when both my sister and cousin were diagnosed with it. I tested negative.

But lately, I've been experiencing severe abdominal bloating after eating wheat products, particularly bread.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Eating lots of salt can cause bloating.
      By: Aaron Amat
      Eating lots of salt can cause bloating.
    • Drinking water can help with bloating.
      By: Yasonya
      Drinking water can help with bloating.
    • Chewing gum may increase bloating.
      By: blende40
      Chewing gum may increase bloating.
    • Diet can play a major role in bloating problems.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Diet can play a major role in bloating problems.
    • People with celiac disease often experience abdominal bloating.
      By: joshya
      People with celiac disease often experience abdominal bloating.