Abdominal pain and bloating is an uncomfortable sensation that occurs when gas builds up in the abdomen, causing the stomach to become distended. These episodes can occur after a heavy or light meal and are usually not severe. Although bloating is common among both children and adults, it can interfere with daily life and is often accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms. Bloating may be caused by certain gastrointestinal conditions, but in many cases, it is a short-lived issue that can be treated with diet and lifestyle changes.
Many people who experience bloating notice a predictable pattern. Gastrointestinal bloating may be caused by:
However, abdominal bloating can also be caused by chronic conditions, such as functional gastrointestinal disorders. Abnormal abdominal bloating could be a sign of:
Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the innermost lining of the large intestine and rectum. This disease causes ulcers in the digestive tract.
The main symptom of abdominal bloating is discomfort and distension of the stomach. You may feel as if you have eaten a large meal, and your stomach may feel hard, full, and tight. It is not uncommon to experience other gas-related complaints along with abdominal bloating. Abdominal bloating may be more serious if it is accompanied by pain or any of the following symptoms:
In order to determine the cause of your abdominal bloating, your physician at DHC will ask questions about your symptoms, including how often bloating occurs. If bloating happens often and is accompanied by other symptoms, your doctor may consider tests, such as an x-ray or CT scan, to rule out underlying causes.
Abdominal bloating is often acute in nature. However, chronic and persistent abdominal bloating could be an indication of an underlying condition. Therefore, treatment may vary depending upon the primary cause.
If the bloating is acute, it often resolves itself over a short period of time. To avoid future occurrences, there are treatment options, but the majority are preventive. Treatments often include:
In addition, it is important to avoid certain foods that may increase the bloating sensation. These include:
If abdominal bloating becomes chronic and your symptoms persist, schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at DHC for further evaluation. Although bloating is a common condition that can be caused by something as simple as eating too quickly, it can also be caused by an underlying condition that will need to be addressed. Our gastroenterologists at Digestive Healthcare Center proudly provide digestive health care in Somerset County and want to help you get on track to healthier and more comfortable living.
At Digestive Healthcare Center, we are proud to put each patient first. You can visit us in person at one of our three office locations in NJ, or speak to one of our physicians from the comfort of your home via a telemedicine virtual visit. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.
We are proud to offer telemedicine care to patients throughout NJ, allowing patients to consult with one of our expert gastroenterologists via a two-way video call. Setting up and completing a telemedicine visit is extremely simple, and all you need to do to get started is give one of our offices a call or contact us by filling out a form.
To all our valued patients at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center
Your health and safety are important to us. To help protect patients and staff, we have designated Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center as a Patient and Staff “SAFE ZONE.” Our SAFE ZONE is defined by the safety measures we are taking to protect you and our staff from contracting the coronavirus. We are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health (DOH) guidelines to limit the spread of the virus by continuously disinfecting all rooms and equipment, using protective barriers, providing personal protective equipment and practicing social distancing. We are testing staff and patients to make sure you are safe. Patients will be asked to provide information if they have been tested.
OFFICE HOURS:
Our Hillsborough and Somerville offices are open and seeing patients for Telemedicine and In-Office visits as needed. Our Warren location is currently closed.
SAFETY FIRST:
CENTRAL JERSEY AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER:
Our surgery center is open and performing procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. Please call to schedule an appointment at 908-218-9222. Patients coming in for procedures will be COVID tested prior to their procedure.
PATIENT PORTAL:
To better serve you, all patients must register for our portal by providing us with your email address. You will receive a portal invitation via email which will contain a pin number needed to register for our portal. This will be our main source of communication with you regarding test results, answering clinical questions, and providing important updates.
The Physicians and Staff at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center wish everyone the best at this trying time.
Stay healthy and safe.