Bloating 101
Updated: Sep 20, 2020
Bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with air or gas. When you are bloated, your stomach feels tight and full as if you’ve eaten a big meal.

Bloating
IBS affects one in seven people and is often accompanied by gas, bloating, pain, constipation, or diarrhea. Many people are uncomfortable talking about their digestive challenges, but this is a very important conversation to have with your dietitian.
So, let’s dive into some pointers to help you manage bloating.
What is Bloating?
Abdominal distention or "feeling bloated" is a very common symptom most people have experienced at some point in their lives.
Bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is filled with air or gas. When you are bloated, your stomach feels tight and full as if you’ve eaten a big meal.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of bloating include excessive gas, discomfort, and even pain, in your stomach. You may also experience burping and flatulence frequently or have intestinal rumbling and gurgling.
Causes
The most common triggers are often associated with food and eating, and can include indigestion, constipation, or excess gas building up in the stomach and intestines. Food intolerances or allergies, eating too fast, overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, and nutrient deficiencies can also cause bloating.
Other common causes of bloating include smoking, pregnancy, menstruation and/or PMS (premenstrual syndrome), and drugs that aggravate the stomach such as ibuprofen.
The following health conditions may also cause bloating:
SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
Celiac disease
IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
Gastroparesis; bacterial or viral infection
Endometriosis
Diverticulitis
PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease)
liver disease
Gallstones
Hernia
Diabetes
Kidney failure
Anxiety or depression

When to see a doctor
Although rare, bloating could be a sign of something more serious. Contact your doctor if you have excessive or persistent bloating and gas that is accompanied by any of these symptoms:
Blood in your stool
Diarrhea
Noticeable weight loss
Severe abdominal pain
Fever
Nausea
Feeling faint or passing out
Vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours
Heartburn that is getting worse
Inability to eat or drink
Chest pain
Heart palpitation
Shortness of breath
Vaginal bleeding (between your periods, or if you are postmenopausal)

Foods that may cause bloating