- Physicians
- Locations
- Conditions
- Conditions Overview
- Abdominal Bloating
- Anorectal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity
- Colorectal Cancers
- Constipation, Diarrhea, and Bloody Stool
- Diverticulitis
- Esophageal Cancer
- Fatty Liver Disease
- Fecal Incontinence
- Gallstones
- GERD/Acid Reflux
- Hemorrhoids
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Malabsorption
- Polyps
- Rectal Bleeding
- Ulcers
- Procedures
- Procedures Prep
- Patient Center
- Blog
- Telehealth
Abdominal Bloating
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.
What Causes Abdominal Bloating
Gastrointestinal bloating may be caused by:
- Bowel Obstruction
- Cancer
- Chewing Gum
- Eating Too Fast
- Fluid Retention
- Food Allergies
- Heartburn
- Hormonal Changes
- Infection
- Overeating
- Rich and Fatty Foods
- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Smoking
However, it is often caused by chronic conditions, such as functional gastrointestinal disorders. Abnormal abdominal bloating could mean:
- Celiac disease, an autoimmune reaction to the ingestion of gluten. This disorder damages the small intestine and causes malabsorption of nutrients in the body
- Functional dyspepsia (indigestion). This condition typically causes recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an intestinal disorder which causes gas, diarrhea, constipation and pain in the abdomen. This chronic condition affects the both the small intestine and the large intestine (colon) and is usually long-term
- Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the innermost lining of the large intestine and rectum. This disease causes ulcers in the digestive tract
When is Abdominal Bloating More Serious?
Abdominal bloating may be more serious if it is accompanied by pain or any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal Gurgling
- Bloody Stool
- Constipation or Diarrhea
- Excessive Gas
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Frequent Belching or Burping
- Painful or Swollen Lymph Nodes (including in the groin, throat or armpits)
- Unintentional Weight Loss
How is Abdominal Bloating Treated?
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 in nature. Treatments often include:
- Abdominal Massages
- Avoiding Chewing Gum
- Eating a healthy high-fiber diet, including water-rich vegetables and fruits
- Eating Slowly
- Exercising
- Reducing Stress
- Staying Hydrated
- Taking Certain Medications
- Taking Probiotics
In addition, it is important to avoid certain foods that may increase the bloating sensation. These include:
- Carbonated Beverages
- Certain Vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, beans)
- Dairy
- Processed Grain Products
- Sugar
Meet Our Doctors
Our Gastroenterology Centers in NJ
Hillsborough, NJ
511 Courtyard Drive Bldg. 500
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Somerville, NJ
Warren, NJ
31 Mountain Boulevard Suite H
Warren, NJ 07059
Recent Blogs
Learn more about all things digestive health and wellness by checking out our recent gastroenterology blogs.
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 […]
What is Colorectal Cancer? At Digestive Healthcare Center, our team of expert gastroenterologists strives to ensure that patients have all the information they need to promote long term digestive health. In the case of certain gastroenterological conditions such as colorectal cancer, screening is incredibly important. Colorectal cancer starts in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. […]
What is Gastroparesis? At Digestive Healthcare Center, we want to ensure that patients have information about an array of digestive health conditions, to promote positive gastrointestinal health year-round. One such condition is gastroparesis, which is a digestive condition that affects the motility of the muscles in your stomach. Normally, after you swallow, the muscles within […]
Schedule an Appointment to Relieve Abdominal Bloating in New Jersey
If abdominal bloating becomes chronic, however, and your symptoms persist, schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at DHC for further evaluation. We proudly provide digestive health care in Somerset County and want to help you get on track to healthier and more comfortable living.