abdominal fullness or bloating
overview
abdominal fullness or bloating occurs when excess gas builds up in the digestive tract.
common causes of gas and abdominal fullness or bloating include:
- swallowed air. if swallowed air is not burped up, it passes through the digestive tract and is released through the anus as gas (flatus). excessive air swallowing may cause hiccups.
- gas-producing foods and drinks, such as beans, broccoli, carbonated drinks, and beer. the amount of gas and the odour that different foods cause vary from person to person.
- lactose intolerance. a person who can't easily digest lactose, a type of natural sugar found in milk and dairy products, can have both gas and bloating as well as other symptoms.
- constipation. this can cause bloating but generally does not increase gas.
- medicines or natural health products. both prescription and non-prescription medicines, as well as dietary supplements, can cause bloating and gas as side effects.
- changing hormone levels. many people feel bloated right before their periods because their bodies retain fluid.
- pregnancy.
occasionally, excess gas and bloating may be caused by a more serious medical problem, such as a bowel obstruction, liver problems, gallbladder disease, or cancer.
treatment depends on what is causing the problem. call your doctor for a checkup if you have abdominal fullness or bloating that has not gotten better or gone away with home treatment.
credits
current as of: october 19, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: october 19, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
