Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Abdominal bloating

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Bloating; Meteorism


Home Care

You may take the following steps:

  • Avoid chewing gum or carbonated drinks, especially those with high levels of fructose or sorbitol
  • Avoid foods such as Brussels sprouts, turnips, cabbage, beans, and lentils
  • Do not eat too quickly
  • Stop smoking

If you have constipation, it should be treated. However, fiber supplements such as psyllium can make your symptoms worse.

You may try simethicone and other medicines you buy at the drugstore to help with gas, but these medications are often not helpful.

See: Lactose intolerance for more on how to treat this problem.


Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if you have:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood in the stools or dark, tarry looking stools
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn that is getting worse
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss

What to expect at your health care provider's office



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)