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However, for most people, the cause of bloating is harmless and can be treated at home. Share on PinterestLayla Bird/Getty ImagesAbdominal bloating — an uncomfortable, full feeling in the belly area — can be alarming, particularly when painful. The abdomen can look larger than usual or be shaped abnormally. Persons may also have piercing abdominal pain. Yet, most times, the cause may just be indigestion or gas building up in the stomach and gut. Usually, bloating is not a concern if it:is associated with food or eatingdoes not get worse with timegoes away within a day or 2 In this article, we look at the causes of abdominal bloating, treatments, and how to know when to see a doctor. Abdominal bloating causes Abdominal bloating is common. Many people experience the same type of bloating again and again. Normally, bloating that follows a predictable pattern is not a worry. When the pattern changes or bloating becomes worse than expected, it may be one of the following conditions: Gas A buildup of gas in the stomach and intestines is among the most common causes of bloating. Other symptoms include:frequent burpingpassing too much gasfeeling a sudden urge to pass stoolfeeling nauseous Bloating caused by gas may cause mild discomfort up to intense pain. Some people describe feeling that there is something trapped inside their stomach. Possible causes of gas include:certain foods, including carbonated beverages, dairy, beans, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbageswallowing air while eating or chewing guma stomach infectionchronic illnesses, such as celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)indigestion In most cases, gas goes away on its own after a few hours. Indigestion Indigestion, sometimes called dyspepsia, is discomfort or pain in the stomach that can include bloating. Most people experience brief episodes of indigestion from time to time. It is often caused by:eating too muchdrinking excessive alcoholtaking medications that irritate the stomach, such as ibuprofena minor stomach infection Frequent indigestion with bloating that does not appear to be associated with food or other apparent causes could be a sign of something more serious. Potential serious causes include a stomach ulcer or stomach cancer. Infection Stomach infections can cause bloating, which may be accompanied by:diarrheavomitingnauseastomach pain These can be caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Helicobacter pylori — or a viral infection such as norovirus or rotavirus. Stomach infections usually go away on their own after a few days. However, some people may become severely dehydrated or continue to get worse over several days. These individuals should see a doctor if the bloating coincides with:feverbloody stoolsevere and frequent vomiting Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth SIBO The stomach and intestines are home to various bacteria, which help the body digest food. Disturbing the balance of bacteria can lead to an increase in harmful bacteria in the small intestine. This is known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO. SIBO can cause bloating, frequent diarrhea, and difficulties digesting food and absorbing nutrients. These chronic symptoms may lead to osteoporosis or weight loss in some people. Fluid retention Salty foods, changes in hormone levels, and food intolerances can cause a person’s body to hold more fluid than it would otherwise. For instance, some females may become bloated right before their periods or early in pregnancy. Chronic bloating caused by fluid retention could have a more serious cause, such as liver or kidney failure or diabetes. If the bloating does not go away, a person should speak with a doctor. Food intolerances Some people become bloated after eating certain foods — for example, people who have lactose intolerance, gluten allergy, or celiac disease. Bloating can be linked to diarrhea or stomach pain and will go away by removing the problem-causing food. Chronic disorders Crohn’s disease and IBS often produce bloating. Crohn’s disease digestive tract inflammation and has a specific course and treatment. In contrast, the cause of IBS is unknown and is often diagnosed when there is no specific reason for symptoms. Both IBS and Crohn’s can cause gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. If a person is also experiencing unexplained weight loss, they’re more likely to have Crohn’s disease. Gastroparesis Gastroparesis is a disorder that affects regular stomach emptying. As a result, the nerves that regulate stomach motion stop working correctly, which causes food to pass much more slowly through the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include:bloatingconstipationfeeling full quickly when eatingloss of appetiteheartburnnausea and vomitingpain and discomfort Diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism sometimes cause gastroparesis. Gynecological disorders Some gynecological problems cause bloating, such as a monthly period or menopause. Also, endometriosis — in which the womb lining attaches to the stomach or intestines — can cause bloating, cramping, and stomach pain. Women with early ovarian cancer may have bloating as the only symptom of a problem. However weight gain, constipation, and pain could also occur. Constipation Bloating begins when food contents build up in the gut. This condition — called constipation — can come from:dehydrationnot enough fiber in the dietfood intolerancepregnancycertain bowel disordersnutrient deficiencies, including magnesiumcertain medicines In most people, laxatives, exercise, drinking water, or changing the diet can resolve episodes of constipation and bloating. Other causes Less commonly, abdominal bloating may be due to other serious conditions. People with gallstones or gallbladder disease may experience intense abdominal pain that mimics bloating. Ascites, a pool of fluid in the abdominal cavity is another condition that leads to abdominal pain and bloating. The most common cause of this fluid buildup is liver disease. Treatments Bloating can usually be safely treated at home by using lifestyle changes, home remedies, or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Keeping a food diary to monitor bloating is helpful as this aids with diagnosing food intolerances and making healthy lifestyle changes. Many people find that avoiding certain foods prevents bloating and other gastrointestinal health issues. Some options that may help include: Lifestyle changesdrink more waterreduce sodium in the dieteliminate foods that cause bloatingchew food slowlyeliminate chewing gumregular exercise Home remedieseating peppermintdrinking a mixture of baking soda and waterdrinking apple cider vinegarapplying a heating pad to the stomach OTC medications These include:antigas products to break up gas pockets (simethicone)food supplements to break down problem proteins or sugars (Beano, Lactaid)antacids to calm excess acid (Tums, Mylanta, Maalox)bismuth salicylate to inhibit bacterial infection (Pepto-Bismol)laxative to relieve constipation (Ducolax or Senakot)rectal suppository or enema to have a bowel movement (Fleet) Prescription medications A doctor may also prescribe:antispasmodics can relax the muscles and help relieve bloatingcertain antibiotics in cases of IBS or bacterial overgrowth in the abdomenprokinetics can speed up digestion, which may reduce bloatingcertain antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa) may help reduce bloating When to see a doctor Rarely, bloating is a sign of something more serious. A person should see a doctor for bloating or gas associated with:intense paina fevervomiting lasts longer than 24 hoursdifficulty keeping food downbloody stoolsa physical injury, such as a punch to the stomach or a car accidentrapid swelling of the abdomensurgeryliver or kidney failure Outlook Abdominal bloating can be upsetting and painful. There are many simple causes of abdominal bloating, such as gas, constipation, indigestion, food intolerance, and fluid retention. These symptoms are easily treated with home remedies, lifestyle changes, OTC medications, and prescription medications. For most people, the cause can be treated at home and is something simple. A person should speak with a doctor if the symptoms worsen or do not go away after a few days. FAQs When should I be worried about bloating If bloating patterns have changed suddenly or are getting worse for no reason a person should see a doctor Bloating with bloody stools fever intense pain inability to eat or frequent vomiting can be serious and need urgent care What relieves abdominal bloating Treat causes of abdominal bloating with home remedies or OTC medications. For example, try walking or moving around, using an antacid or antigas medicine, drinking some water, or using a heating pad. Why do I look pregnant from bloating A swollen belly that looks like pregnancy can be from a condition called ascites. This condition can be related to liver problems, so it is essential to get urgent care. What causes lower vs upper abdominal bloating Upper abdominal bloating may be related to slow movement of the intestine called gastroparesis, swallowing air while eating, an infection, or overeating. Lower abdominal bloating can be from constipation, IBS, gas caused by food intolerance, or fluid retention. I have had a sudden change in bowel movements and have frequent bloating What could this be The doctor should check for any sudden changes in bowel habits with bloating. In rare cases, these symptoms could be related to ovarian cancer or colon cancer. Read the article in Spanish. Last medically reviewed on June 19, 2022Food IntoleranceIrritable Bowel SyndromeCrohn's / IBDGastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology 12 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. 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Gas-related complaints.https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/symptoms-of-gastrointestinal-disorders/gas-related-complaints?redirectid=246?ruleredirectid=30Herrine, S. K. (2021). Ascites.https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/approach-to-the-patient-with-liver-disease/ascitesOvarian cancer. What are the symptoms? (2021)https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/symptoms.htmPeng, A. W., et al. (2019) Effects of the DASH diet and sodium Intake on bloating: results from the DASH–Sodium Trial.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7122060/Signs and symptoms of stomach cancer. (n.d.)https://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomach-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.htmlUnderstanding bloating and distension. (n.d.).https://iffgd.org/gi-disorders/symptoms-causes/bloating-and-distension/Vakil, N. (2021). Helicobacter pylori infection.https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastritis-and-peptic-ulcer-disease/helicobacter-pylori-infectionFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Kelsey Trull, PA-C — By Mechelle Renee Akers — Updated on June 19, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat foods and drinks can reduce bloating?Medically reviewed by Kim Rose-Francis RDN, CDCES, CNSC, LD Bloating is a common problem, but certain foods and beverages may help reduce or eliminate discomfort. 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