Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the belly (abdomen) feels full and tight. Your belly may look swollen (distended).
Causes
Common causes include:
- Swallowing air
- Constipation
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Lactose intolerance and problems digesting other foods
- Overeating
- Small bowel bacterial overgrowth
- Weight gain
You may have bloating if you take the oral diabetes medicine acarbose. Some other medicines or foods containing lactulose or sorbitol, may cause bloating. Many foods high in fructose and related compounds cause gas.
More serious disorders that may cause bloating are:
- Ascites and abdominal tumors
- Celiac disease
- Dumping syndrome
- Ovarian cancer
- Problems with the pancreas not producing enough digestive enzymes (pancreatic insufficiency)
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if you have:
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in the stools or dark, tarry looking stools
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn that is getting worse
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Alternative Names
Bloating; Meteorism; Gas
References
Azpiroz F. Intestinal gas. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 17.
McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 118.
Review Date 6/11/2024
Updated by: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.