Table of Contents
- Overview
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the abdomen (belly) feels full and tight. The abdomen may be visibly swollen (distended).
Alternative Names
Bloating; Meteorism
Considerations
Common Causes
Common causes include:
- Air swallowing (a nervous habit)
- Constipation
Gastroesophageal reflux Irritable bowel syndrome -
Lactose intolerance and other food intolerances - Overeating
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth - Weight gain
The diabetes medication acarbose, as well as any medicine containing lactulose or sorbitol, may cause bloating.
More serious disorders that may cause bloating are:
-
Ascites and tumors Celiac disease - Dumping syndrome
Ovarian cancer - When the pancreas is not able to produce enzymes to help digestion (pancreatic insufficiency)
Images
Review Date: 04/12/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of
Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of
Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San
Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
