Bloating can be caused by other illnesses. If bloating occurs on its own (for example, if there has been no consumption of gassy foods), it may be caused by food intolerance. Other causes include swallowing air, constipation, or acid reflux. However, bloating may also mean the person has a more serious underlying issue. Sometimes there are no other symptoms; for example, ovarian cancer may have no other symptom but bloating for some time. Other digestive symptoms to watch for are changes in bowels, abdominal or rectal pain, nausea, or vomiting. These may indicate other illnesses that can cause bloating such as celiac disease, gallbladder disease, tumors, gastrointestinal blockage, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), disease of the pancreas, or, as mentioned, ovarian cancer. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing bloating along with other symptoms, or if bloating is persistent and bothersome.
Bloating
When intestinal gas isn't released through belching or flatulence (passing gas), you can end up with a bloated belly. There are simple steps you can take to stop bloating, from avoiding certain foods to eating more slowly. In some cases bloating is related to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or lactose intolerance. Learn more about causes of stomach bloating and ways to prevent it with expert advice from Sharecare.
Recently Answered
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2 AnswersA
Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 Answers
A bloated stomach can make you look pounds bigger than you really are and be uncomfortable to boot. But you can bypass belly inflation by steering clear of foods that cause it. In this video, Dr. Oz reveals some surprising foods that can cause bloating.
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1 AnswerA
Dr. Roshini C. Rajapaksa, MD , Gastroenterology, answered
Lentils are super-healthy for you, but they can also cause bloating for many people. In this video, gastroenterologist Roshini Raj, MD, discusses how soaking your lentils in cold water plus vinegar or lemon juice before cooking can reduce the bloat. -
2 AnswersA
Ms. Vandana R. Sheth , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsSee All 2 Answers- Highly processed, Low-fiber foods
- High Sodium intake
- Eating fast, chewing gum, drinking fizzy beverages
- Large meals
- Possibly a food allergy/intolerance
- Minimal physical activity
- Increased intake of gas producing foods and suddenly increasing intake of fiber in the diet
- Sugar-free foods containing sugar-alcohols
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2 AnswersA
Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 Answers
Eating less salty frozen foods and more fruits & vegetables can help you reduce bloating.
Watch as Samantha Heller and Dr. Oz discuss what you can eat to reduce bloating in this video.
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3 AnswersA
Ms. Vandana R. Sheth , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsSee All 3 Answers
- Enjoy small, frequent meals
- Slow down and enjoy your food
- Cut back on salt/sodium
- Enjoy potassium-rich foods
- Stay hydrated with water (limit/avoid carbonated beverages)
- Cut back on chewing gum, using a straw while sipping (both habits might cause you to swallow more air--increase bloating)
- Stay physically active
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1 AnswerA
Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredYour small intestine absorbs the nutrients from food through villi, small projections on the intestinal wall. If bacteria grow in your small intestine (where it normally doesn't hang out), they can destroy villi, blocking the absorption of nutrients. Then larger pieces of food find their way to the small intestine where those gas-producing bacteria go to work on them, and, bingo, you've got bloating and diarrhea.
Symptoms of Bacterial Overgrowth- Bloating, particularly after meals
- Fatigue
- Watery diarrhea
- Gassiness
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Loss of weight