Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow to DebloatBloating SymptomsOccasional Bloating CausesChronic Bloating CausesTreatmentComplicationsDiagnosisLiving With Bloating
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How to Debloat
Bloating Symptoms
Occasional Bloating Causes
Chronic Bloating Causes
Treatment
Complications
Diagnosis
Living With Bloating
Feeling bloated and heavy after eating is a common problem. Most of the time, a bloated stomach will get better on its own and is not a cause for worry.
However, bloating that happens too frequently or never seems to go away can be a sign of an underlying problem, which may need diagnosis and treatment. Some ideas on how to de-bloat quickly and prevent bloating in the future are listed ahead.
This article will examine some of the potential causes of a bloated stomach and how healthcare providers might diagnose and treat it.
Stephanie Verhart / Getty Images
Things to De-Bloat a Heavy Stomach
When bloating becomes a problem, it’s natural to look for something that can offer relief quickly. Some evidence-based tactics may help reduce bloating quickly and prevent it from happening again.
Some of these include:
Taking Care With Dietary ChangesMaking big changes to your diet and limiting certain types of food without the advice of a healthcare provider or registered dietitian can be harmful. Avoiding food groups could prevent you from getting enough vitamins and minerals.Getting help from a dietitian in order to safely understand how the food you eat is affecting symptoms and to help institute changes is important to avoid problems in the future.
Taking Care With Dietary Changes
Making big changes to your diet and limiting certain types of food without the advice of a healthcare provider or registered dietitian can be harmful. Avoiding food groups could prevent you from getting enough vitamins and minerals.Getting help from a dietitian in order to safely understand how the food you eat is affecting symptoms and to help institute changes is important to avoid problems in the future.
Making big changes to your diet and limiting certain types of food without the advice of a healthcare provider or registered dietitian can be harmful. Avoiding food groups could prevent you from getting enough vitamins and minerals.
Getting help from a dietitian in order to safely understand how the food you eat is affecting symptoms and to help institute changes is important to avoid problems in the future.
Symptoms of Bloated Stomach
Bloating is when the abdomen feels full and swollen. It’s a common issue that affects almost everyone on occasion. It often goes away without any special attention or treatment. However, it can be related to a chronic or acute digestive condition in some cases.
Distention occurs when bloating becomes so pronounced that the belly sticks out.
Common symptoms associated with bloating can include:
Occasional Bloated Stomach Causes
Foods That Cause Gas
Drinking carbonated beverages and drinking with a straw, which could lead to swallowing air, may also cause gas and lead to bloating.
Food Intolerances
Sensitivity or intolerance to certain foods may lead to bloating. FODMAPs have been shown to cause bloating in some people. It can be challenging to understand which foods are causing the bloating, which may mean that the symptoms come and go. People who also have IBS may be especially sensitive to certain foods and experience bloating after meals.
Medications
Some medications and supplements may cause bloating. Fiber supplements, in particular, may lead to bloating, which may get better over time as the body adjusts to the increased fiber in the digestive system.
Medications and supplements that could cause symptoms of bloating include:
Gynecologic Causes of BloatingBloating iscommon with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).It may be experienced each menstrual cycle or occasionally.Endometriosis, in which tissue resembling that of the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, may also produce bloating as a symptom.
Gynecologic Causes of Bloating
Bloating iscommon with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).It may be experienced each menstrual cycle or occasionally.Endometriosis, in which tissue resembling that of the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, may also produce bloating as a symptom.
Constant Bloated Stomach Causes
Bloating could also be a longer-lasting problem. Certain conditions can lead to bloating that doesn’t go away on its own.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Bloating is not listed as being part of thecriteria for diagnosing IBS. However, a significant number of people with IBS report it as being a problem that impacts their lives. The subtypes of IBS include diarrhea-predominant, constipation-predominant, and IBS with mixed bowel habits. Bloating doesn’t appear to be associated with any particular form of IBS more than the others.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Once thought of as pseudoscience,SIBOis now a recognized condition. In SIBO, excess bacteria grow in the small intestine, with bloating as one of the symptoms.It can occur on its own or be connected to other conditions.It might also be associated with medications such as opioids and steroids.
Celiac Disease
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) and Gluten Intolerance
People may have a sensitivity orintolerance to gluten, which is different from celiac disease. This could cause bloating and sometimes diarrhea or constipation. A person with NCGS could have a reaction to gluten or certain types of sugars. It may be difficult to distinguish NCGS from a sensitivity toFODMAPs.
Gastroparesis and Functional Dyspepsia (FD)
Gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia are both under the umbrella term ofmotility disorders, and bloating may occur in these disorders.
Functional dyspepsia may be diagnosed when symptoms affect the upper digestive system, but no obvious cause is found. Gastroparesis is when the stomach does not empty itself of food properly. Both conditions could lead to bloating and distention.
Red Flag Symptoms
How to Medically Treat Bloated Stomach Discomfort
Bloating can be treated in various ways, depending on the cause. Prescription medications might be used to treat the cause of bloating. The medication used depends on the underlying cause and related conditions. These can include:
Nondrug Treatment
Dietary changes might also be tried. In the case of celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is the only treatment.Gluten might also be avoided for those who have NCGS or a gluten intolerance. Avoiding FODMAPs can also help those who have IBS or other conditions that include intolerances to those foods.
Some types of mental health treatments (includingcognitive behavior therapyandhypnotherapy) have been shown to help with IBS andchronic constipation.These methods might be used to address the symptoms of these conditions, including bloating.
Complications From Bloated Belly Pain
Bloating can significantly impact quality of life. For those coping with painful bloating, it could affect their ability to carry out daily tasks at work, school, and home.
When bloating and pain become significant, they could lead to seeking care from a healthcare provider or even the emergency department. This can be costly and lead to absences from work or school.
Not knowing when bloating may occur could also affect mental health. It could lead to less enjoyment of food and restricting food in an effort to reduce bloating. The time and energy spent trying to avoid symptoms or coping with them when they do occur can drain physical and mental energy.
Testing Providers Might Use for Diagnosis
When bloating and pain or distention are chronic problems, a healthcare provider may give you a referral to a specialist called agastroenterologist. Gastroenterologists have training in diseases and conditions of the digestive system. People experiencing bloating may also decide to ask for a referral when bloating becomes an ongoing problem.
A gastroenterologist may start the examination process with a thorough history and a family history of digestive problems. Several different types of tests may be used to get more information on the cause of bloating.
This could include:
Living With Chronic Stomach Bloat
For most people, bloating comes and goes, but it can become chronic for those with an underlying condition. Finding a cause and an effective way to treat it takes time, patience, and dedicated healthcare providers.
Keeping a food and symptom diary and including details about meals, such as where they were eaten or any emotions, can be helpful in tracking down triggers. A healthcare provider can offer suggestions on how to manage diet to help avoid possible triggers.
Getting a referral to a gastroenterologist is another key part of learning more about what could be causing bloating. Digestive specialists have a variety of guidelines and tests available to understand the underlying cause and treat it.
Summary
Bloating is a common problem that may resolve on its own and usually does. Over-the-counter treatments and dietary changes often are the initial steps in managing bloating.
However, bloating can become a recurrent problem when an underlying condition causes it. To get a diagnosis and treatment, you can work with a team of healthcare providers, including a dietitian, a gastroenterologist, and a mental health specialist.
21 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mari A, Abu Backer F, Mahamid M, et al.Bloating and abdominal distension: clinical approach and management.Adv Ther. 2019;36(5):1075-1084. doi:10.1007/s12325-019-00924-7Patel NV. “Let food be thy medicine”: diet and supplements in irritable bowel syndrome.Clin Exp Gastroenterol.2021;14:377-384. doi:10.2147/CEG.S321054Mercado D, Robinson L, Gordon G, et al.The outcomes of mindfulness-based interventions for obesity and binge eating disorder: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.Appetite. 2021;166:105464. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2021.105464Rao SSC, Brenner DM.Efficacy and safety of over-the-counter therapies for chronic constipation: an updated systematic review.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116:1156-1181. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001222Angima G, Qu Y, Park SH, Dallas DC.Prebiotic strategies to manage lactose intolerance symptoms.Nutrients. 2024;16:1002. doi:10.3390/nu16071002.Moshiree B, Drossman D, Shaukat A.AGA clinical practice update on evaluation and management of belching, abdominal bloating, and distention: expert review.Gastroenterology. 2023;165:791-800.e3. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2023.04.039Peng AW, Juraschek SP, Appel LJ, Miller ER 3rd, Mueller NT.Effects of the DASH diet and sodium intake on bloating: results From the DASH-Sodium Trial.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114:1109-1115. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000283Government of Alberta.Medicines or vitamins that can cause gas, bloating, or burping.Chumpitazi BP, Kearns GL, Shulman RJ.Review article: the physiological effects and safety of peppermint oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2018;47:738-752. doi:10.1111/apt.14519Wilkinson JM, Cozine EW, Loftus CG.Gas, bloating, and belching: Approach to evaluation and management.Am Fam Physician. 2019;99:301-309.Harvard Health Publishing.The truth about nutrient deficiencies.Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.10 reasons to see an RDN.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Gas in the digestive tract.Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).Endometriosis Foundation of America.Endometriosis symptoms: gastrointestinal distress.Hod K, Ringel Y, van Tilburg MAL, Ringel-Kulka T.Bloating in irritable bowel syndrome is associated with symptoms severity, psychological factors, and comorbidities.Dig Dis Sci.2019;64:1288-1295. doi:10.1007/s10620-018-5352-5Bushyhead D, Quigley EM.Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2021;50(2):463-474. doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2021.02.008Efremova I, Maslennikov R, Poluektova E, et al.Epidemiology of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.World J Gastroenterol. 2023;29(22):3400-3421. doi:10.3748/wjg.v29.i22.3400DailyMed.Xifaxan-rifaximin tablet.Aspasia S, Emmanuela-Kalliopi K, Nikolaos T, Eirini S, Ioannis S, Anastasia M.The gluten-free diet challenge in adults with coeliac disease: the Hellenic survey. PEC Innov. 2022;1:100037. doi:10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100037Slouha E, Mohamed A, Patel B, Razeq Z, Clunes LA, Kollias TF.The use of psychotherapy for refractory irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review.Cureus. 2024;16(2):e54138. doi:10.7759/cureus.54138
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mari A, Abu Backer F, Mahamid M, et al.Bloating and abdominal distension: clinical approach and management.Adv Ther. 2019;36(5):1075-1084. doi:10.1007/s12325-019-00924-7Patel NV. “Let food be thy medicine”: diet and supplements in irritable bowel syndrome.Clin Exp Gastroenterol.2021;14:377-384. doi:10.2147/CEG.S321054Mercado D, Robinson L, Gordon G, et al.The outcomes of mindfulness-based interventions for obesity and binge eating disorder: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.Appetite. 2021;166:105464. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2021.105464Rao SSC, Brenner DM.Efficacy and safety of over-the-counter therapies for chronic constipation: an updated systematic review.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116:1156-1181. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001222Angima G, Qu Y, Park SH, Dallas DC.Prebiotic strategies to manage lactose intolerance symptoms.Nutrients. 2024;16:1002. doi:10.3390/nu16071002.Moshiree B, Drossman D, Shaukat A.AGA clinical practice update on evaluation and management of belching, abdominal bloating, and distention: expert review.Gastroenterology. 2023;165:791-800.e3. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2023.04.039Peng AW, Juraschek SP, Appel LJ, Miller ER 3rd, Mueller NT.Effects of the DASH diet and sodium intake on bloating: results From the DASH-Sodium Trial.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114:1109-1115. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000283Government of Alberta.Medicines or vitamins that can cause gas, bloating, or burping.Chumpitazi BP, Kearns GL, Shulman RJ.Review article: the physiological effects and safety of peppermint oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2018;47:738-752. doi:10.1111/apt.14519Wilkinson JM, Cozine EW, Loftus CG.Gas, bloating, and belching: Approach to evaluation and management.Am Fam Physician. 2019;99:301-309.Harvard Health Publishing.The truth about nutrient deficiencies.Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.10 reasons to see an RDN.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Gas in the digestive tract.Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).Endometriosis Foundation of America.Endometriosis symptoms: gastrointestinal distress.Hod K, Ringel Y, van Tilburg MAL, Ringel-Kulka T.Bloating in irritable bowel syndrome is associated with symptoms severity, psychological factors, and comorbidities.Dig Dis Sci.2019;64:1288-1295. doi:10.1007/s10620-018-5352-5Bushyhead D, Quigley EM.Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2021;50(2):463-474. doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2021.02.008Efremova I, Maslennikov R, Poluektova E, et al.Epidemiology of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.World J Gastroenterol. 2023;29(22):3400-3421. doi:10.3748/wjg.v29.i22.3400DailyMed.Xifaxan-rifaximin tablet.Aspasia S, Emmanuela-Kalliopi K, Nikolaos T, Eirini S, Ioannis S, Anastasia M.The gluten-free diet challenge in adults with coeliac disease: the Hellenic survey. PEC Innov. 2022;1:100037. doi:10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100037Slouha E, Mohamed A, Patel B, Razeq Z, Clunes LA, Kollias TF.The use of psychotherapy for refractory irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review.Cureus. 2024;16(2):e54138. doi:10.7759/cureus.54138
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mari A, Abu Backer F, Mahamid M, et al.Bloating and abdominal distension: clinical approach and management.Adv Ther. 2019;36(5):1075-1084. doi:10.1007/s12325-019-00924-7Patel NV. “Let food be thy medicine”: diet and supplements in irritable bowel syndrome.Clin Exp Gastroenterol.2021;14:377-384. doi:10.2147/CEG.S321054Mercado D, Robinson L, Gordon G, et al.The outcomes of mindfulness-based interventions for obesity and binge eating disorder: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.Appetite. 2021;166:105464. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2021.105464Rao SSC, Brenner DM.Efficacy and safety of over-the-counter therapies for chronic constipation: an updated systematic review.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116:1156-1181. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001222Angima G, Qu Y, Park SH, Dallas DC.Prebiotic strategies to manage lactose intolerance symptoms.Nutrients. 2024;16:1002. doi:10.3390/nu16071002.Moshiree B, Drossman D, Shaukat A.AGA clinical practice update on evaluation and management of belching, abdominal bloating, and distention: expert review.Gastroenterology. 2023;165:791-800.e3. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2023.04.039Peng AW, Juraschek SP, Appel LJ, Miller ER 3rd, Mueller NT.Effects of the DASH diet and sodium intake on bloating: results From the DASH-Sodium Trial.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114:1109-1115. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000283Government of Alberta.Medicines or vitamins that can cause gas, bloating, or burping.Chumpitazi BP, Kearns GL, Shulman RJ.Review article: the physiological effects and safety of peppermint oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2018;47:738-752. doi:10.1111/apt.14519Wilkinson JM, Cozine EW, Loftus CG.Gas, bloating, and belching: Approach to evaluation and management.Am Fam Physician. 2019;99:301-309.Harvard Health Publishing.The truth about nutrient deficiencies.Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.10 reasons to see an RDN.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Gas in the digestive tract.Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).Endometriosis Foundation of America.Endometriosis symptoms: gastrointestinal distress.Hod K, Ringel Y, van Tilburg MAL, Ringel-Kulka T.Bloating in irritable bowel syndrome is associated with symptoms severity, psychological factors, and comorbidities.Dig Dis Sci.2019;64:1288-1295. doi:10.1007/s10620-018-5352-5Bushyhead D, Quigley EM.Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2021;50(2):463-474. doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2021.02.008Efremova I, Maslennikov R, Poluektova E, et al.Epidemiology of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.World J Gastroenterol. 2023;29(22):3400-3421. doi:10.3748/wjg.v29.i22.3400DailyMed.Xifaxan-rifaximin tablet.Aspasia S, Emmanuela-Kalliopi K, Nikolaos T, Eirini S, Ioannis S, Anastasia M.The gluten-free diet challenge in adults with coeliac disease: the Hellenic survey. PEC Innov. 2022;1:100037. doi:10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100037Slouha E, Mohamed A, Patel B, Razeq Z, Clunes LA, Kollias TF.The use of psychotherapy for refractory irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review.Cureus. 2024;16(2):e54138. doi:10.7759/cureus.54138
Mari A, Abu Backer F, Mahamid M, et al.Bloating and abdominal distension: clinical approach and management.Adv Ther. 2019;36(5):1075-1084. doi:10.1007/s12325-019-00924-7
Patel NV. “Let food be thy medicine”: diet and supplements in irritable bowel syndrome.Clin Exp Gastroenterol.2021;14:377-384. doi:10.2147/CEG.S321054
Mercado D, Robinson L, Gordon G, et al.The outcomes of mindfulness-based interventions for obesity and binge eating disorder: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.Appetite. 2021;166:105464. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2021.105464
Rao SSC, Brenner DM.Efficacy and safety of over-the-counter therapies for chronic constipation: an updated systematic review.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116:1156-1181. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001222
Angima G, Qu Y, Park SH, Dallas DC.Prebiotic strategies to manage lactose intolerance symptoms.Nutrients. 2024;16:1002. doi:10.3390/nu16071002.
Moshiree B, Drossman D, Shaukat A.AGA clinical practice update on evaluation and management of belching, abdominal bloating, and distention: expert review.Gastroenterology. 2023;165:791-800.e3. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2023.04.039
Peng AW, Juraschek SP, Appel LJ, Miller ER 3rd, Mueller NT.Effects of the DASH diet and sodium intake on bloating: results From the DASH-Sodium Trial.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114:1109-1115. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000283
Government of Alberta.Medicines or vitamins that can cause gas, bloating, or burping.
Chumpitazi BP, Kearns GL, Shulman RJ.Review article: the physiological effects and safety of peppermint oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2018;47:738-752. doi:10.1111/apt.14519
Wilkinson JM, Cozine EW, Loftus CG.Gas, bloating, and belching: Approach to evaluation and management.Am Fam Physician. 2019;99:301-309.
Harvard Health Publishing.The truth about nutrient deficiencies.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.10 reasons to see an RDN.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Gas in the digestive tract.
Office on Women’s Health.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Endometriosis Foundation of America.Endometriosis symptoms: gastrointestinal distress.
Hod K, Ringel Y, van Tilburg MAL, Ringel-Kulka T.Bloating in irritable bowel syndrome is associated with symptoms severity, psychological factors, and comorbidities.Dig Dis Sci.2019;64:1288-1295. doi:10.1007/s10620-018-5352-5
Bushyhead D, Quigley EM.Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2021;50(2):463-474. doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2021.02.008
Efremova I, Maslennikov R, Poluektova E, et al.Epidemiology of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.World J Gastroenterol. 2023;29(22):3400-3421. doi:10.3748/wjg.v29.i22.3400
DailyMed.Xifaxan-rifaximin tablet.
Aspasia S, Emmanuela-Kalliopi K, Nikolaos T, Eirini S, Ioannis S, Anastasia M.The gluten-free diet challenge in adults with coeliac disease: the Hellenic survey. PEC Innov. 2022;1:100037. doi:10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100037
Slouha E, Mohamed A, Patel B, Razeq Z, Clunes LA, Kollias TF.The use of psychotherapy for refractory irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review.Cureus. 2024;16(2):e54138. doi:10.7759/cureus.54138
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