Bloated Stomach | Baylor Scott & White Health

What is bloating?

A bloated stomach leaves you with a feeling of fullness, tightness and swelling in your abdomen (belly). You can have bloating after eating a heavy, rich meal or as a symptom of several different medical conditions.

Most people experience bloating at some time or another. Stomach bloating usually occurs when gas or air builds up in the intestines, leading to notable swelling in the belly area. Most of the time, bloating isn’t a cause for concern, but persistent, frequent or severe stomach bloating can be a sign of a more serious medical issue.

Access our expert-led video webinar to learn about common reasons for bloating

Symptoms of a bloated stomach

The most common symptom of bloating is a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, almost like you have an inflated balloon in your stomach. Other symptoms may include:

Abdominal rumbling or gurgling
Belching
Distended abdomen (swelling in the stomach area)
Gassiness
Stomach pain

When to see a doctor

While it’s normal to experience stomach pain and bloating occasionally, see your doctor if your stomach feels bloated and you have any of the following symptoms:

Blood in your stool
Heartburn that isn’t alleviated with over-the-counter meds
Nausea or vomiting
Vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause
Weight loss with no known cause

It’s also a good idea to see your doctor if you’re experiencing extreme stomach bloating, a persistent stomachache or a hard, bloated stomach that has lasted for longer than a few days.

What causes bloating in the stomach?

The causes of stomach bloating can vary depending on the part of your stomach that’s affected. Upper stomach bloating is most often associated with swallowing too much air when eating or drinking, while lower stomach bloating can be related to gas produced during the digestive process.

Other causes for stomach bloating include:

Acid reflux
Blockages in the bowel or bladder
Cancer of the stomach, ovaries, uterus, colon and pancreas
Certain medications
Crohn’s disease
Diverticulitis
Food intolerances and sensitivities
Hormonal fluctuations
Infection
Irritable bowel syndrome
Lactose intolerance
Liver disease
Menstruation
Overeating
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth

Stomach bloating and pain are also common after certain surgical procedures, such as a hernia repair, during which surgeons pump gas into the abdomen. This type of bloating typically goes away on its own in the days after surgery.

Foods and drinks that lead to stomach bloating

A bloated stomach is most often caused by excessive air or gas. Because of that, your eating habits can impact whether and when you experience bloating. Eating or drinking quickly can cause you to swallow more air while you’re gulping down food, which can lead to bloating. In addition, certain foods and drinks can increase the risk of bloating. They include:

Beans: Contain sugars and fiber that can’t be broken down by the digestive system, leading to excess gas
Carbonated beverages: Can introduce excess air into the digestive system or lead to excess gas
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage: Contain fiber and carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the digestive system and produce excess gas
Dairy products: Contain lactose, which can cause excess gas in people with lactose intolerance
Fruit such as apples, peaches, bananas and prunes: Contain sugars and fiber that aren’t easily digested, leading to excess gas
Hard candy or chewing gum: Can introduce excess air into the digestive system
Sugar-free candy or gum: Contain sugar alcohols, which can’t be fully digested, leading to excess gas
Whole grains: Contain fiber and carbohydrates that can’t be broken down by the digestive system, leading to excess gas

How is bloating diagnosed?

Bloating is typically a symptom of another issue, and not usually a health concern on its own. If you are concerned about stomach bloating, your doctor will likely try to diagnose the underlying cause.

A comprehensive physical exam allows your doctor to understand your diet and lifestyle as well as your history of health conditions and treatments for those health issues. From there, they’ll decide whether you need more tests and, if so, what kind.

Medical history and exam

During your appointment, your provider will ask questions about your symptoms, including what you were eating in the hours before you experienced bloated stomach discomfort. You’ll be asked questions about your overall health, and your provider may pay particular attention to your digestive habits, including the frequency of bowel movements.

Your provider will also perform a physical exam, focusing on your abdomen and any symptoms you have along with bloating.

How can I reduce stomach bloating

In many cases, stomach bloating can be relieved by tweaking your eating habits and using home remedies to alleviate discomfort and swelling.

Dietary changes can help you prevent bloating from happening in the first place. If you experience frequent bloating, it may be helpful to keep a food diary of when you experience bloating and what you ate around that time. This can help you learn what foods may trigger bloating and other digestive symptoms, such as discomfort and stomach cramps.

Ask the expert: Is bloating a problem?

Learn more about common reasons for bloating and how bloating is treated from gastroenterologist Rajesh Shah, MD.

Find specialized care for stomach bloating near you

At Baylor Scott & White, we offer several locations for the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, including bloating, at gastroenterology centers across North and Central Texas. Our experienced team is ready to provide personalized care to help improve your quality of life. Whether you're seeking diagnostic testing, treatment options or ongoing support, we are here to help you.

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Digestive Care

3434 Swiss Ave Ste 200, Dallas, TX, 75204

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Digestive Care

3434 Swiss Ave Ste 200, Dallas, TX, 75204

What is bloating?

Symptoms of a bloated stomach

When to see a doctor

What causes bloating in the stomach?

Foods and drinks that lead to stomach bloating

How is bloating diagnosed?

Medical history and exam

How can I reduce stomach bloating

Lifestyle changes

Medication

Ask the expert: Is bloating a problem?

Find specialized care for stomach bloating near you

Frequently asked questions

What drinks help with bloating?

Do probiotics help with bloating?

What illnesses cause bloating?

Can stress cause bloating?

Does bloating cause weight gain?

How long can bloating last?

Can alcohol make you bloated?

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