Why Is My Stomach Bloated? Explore the Causes, Treatments and Remedies

Symptoms of bloated stomach

The symptoms that usually appear in patients with bloated stomachs are:

• Abdominal distension: One of the most common symptoms is a visible increase in the size of the abdomen, often described as a bloated or bulging sensation.
• Abdominal pain: It manifests as pain in the upper abdominal region after meals. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by cramping.
• Excessive gas: A feeling of fullness or pressure due to excess gas in the digestive tract is common. This may result in frequent belching or passing gas.
• Changes in bowel habits: Some people with abdominal distention may experience changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between the two.
• Abdominal noises or gurgling: Gurgling noises originate in the abdomen from contractions of the intestines. They are usually caused by the movement of gas and liquids in the intestines.

These symptoms may occur in isolation or together, depending on the cause of the bloated stomach. 

Why is my stomach bloated?

The sensation of a bloated stomach can have various causes. Generally, abdominal bloating occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. 

This can happen for many reasons, such as swallowing air while eating or drinking, eating gas-producing foods during digestion, or even having problems absorbing certain nutrients in the intestine.

Other common causes of bloating include constipation and pathologies such as celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or food intolerance (2).

Excessive gas or fluid in the abdomen can expand the walls of the stomach and intestines, resulting in an uncomfortable, bloated feeling. In addition, gas trapped in the intestine can cause spasms and increase pain.

Abdominal bloating is usually not a cause for concern and is commonly linked to dietary factors or lifestyle habits. It generally represents a benign condition. However, you should discuss it with your doctor if it occurs frequently.

What causes stomach bloating? What are the treatment options?

There are numerous possible causes of bloating. However, for most people, the cause of bloating or distention is temporary and can be treated at home.

What causes bloating?

Gas

Excess gas in the body may result from various factors, such as air ingestion when swallowing or drinking carbonated beverages. However, the primary source of gas in the intestines is bacteria fermenting certain carbohydrates that are not fully absorbed during digestion. Some possible causes that may contribute to this excess gas include:

• Carbohydrate intolerance: Many people have difficulty digesting carbohydrates. The most common carbohydrates that cause malabsorption are lactose, fructose, and carbs from wheat and legumes. Excess gas can come from carbohydrate intolerance, where the gut cannot properly digest these carbohydrates, leading to an imbalance of fermented products and elimination (3). In the most severe cases, food intolerance or allergies (such as lactose allergy) can present with gastric bloating, diarrhea, and blood alterations such as anemia (secondary to inability to absorb iron) (4, 5). 
  
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO): This occurs when intestinal bacteria from the colon overflow into the small intestine. The small intestine is usually low in bacteria due to the acid released by the stomach and intestinal movement. These defense mechanisms occasionally fail, and bacterial overgrowth occurs in the small intestine. These additional organisms cause multiple intestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and, rarely, malabsorption (6).
  
• Functional digestive disorders: IBS and functional dyspepsia are diagnosed when the human body has difficulty digesting determined foods, usually without an apparent cause. 

Constipation

Constipation is a condition in which a person experiences difficulty passing stool. Hard and dry stool can make it difficult to pass through the intestinal tract, worsening constipation. Accompanying symptoms are often bloating, abdominal discomfort, or pain with spasms.

To prevent constipation, it is important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits (7).

• Consume fiber: Incorporating fiber-containing foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts is essential to promote bowel regularity and soften stools. 
• Stay well hydrated: Water helps soften stool and facilitates its passage through the digestive tract. 
• Get regular physical activity: It can stimulate bowel movements and promote regularity. Try moderate exercise, like walking or swimming, several times a week.
• Avoid a habit of retention: Responding quickly to the need to go to the bathroom is essential to prevent constipation.

If you experience recurrent or persistent constipation, or if diet and lifestyle changes do not improve your symptoms, consult a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Gastritis

Gastritis is a disease caused by inflammation of the gastric lining. It can be divided into multiple types, such as chronic or acute, autoimmune, and subdivided into nonatrophic and atrophic. Gastritis is extremely common in the United States (8).

The two most common causes of chronic gastritis are Helicobacter pylori infection (9). Other causes can be alcohol intake, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and smoking.

The symptoms are:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Indigestion (a burning sensation or discomfort in the stomach after eating)
• Abdominal swelling or fullness 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Loss of appetite

In more severe cases, it may present as blood in the stool. 

The complications of this disease are: 

• Gastric ulceration
• Gastric perforation

The diagnosis is usually made clinically, although sometimes an endoscopy is required to take the gastric tissue sample and check for Helicobacter pylori.

Treatment focuses on adjusting your diet to avoid irritating foods such as alcohol and spicy foods, along with the use of proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system reacts negatively to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. 

When people with celiac disease consume gluten, it triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine, making it difficult to absorb nutrients properly.

The symptoms of celiac disease depend on the severity of the disease, but the most frequent symptoms are (10):

• Gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss or difficulty gaining weight
• Chronic fatigue and weakness
• Hematological disorders, such as anemia

In more severe cases, it can cause skin rashes, fertility problems, growth alteration in children, and joint and bone pain (11).

Diagnosis of celiac disease begins with blood tests to detect specific antibodies associated with the disease. If they are positive, an endoscopy with biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

The main treatment for celiac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet for life. This involves avoiding foods containing wheat, barley, rye, and any products derived from these grains.

It is important to read food labels carefully and be on the lookout for hidden ingredients that may contain gluten. Follow-up with a nutritionist is recommended.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of the causes of bloating is usually clinical, although sometimes complementary studies such as endoscopy or stool analysis may be requested. This will depend on the cause that your doctor suspects.

Prevention tips

Now that you know possible answers to the initial question ‘Why is my stomach bloated?’ here are some prevention tips. To prevent abdominal bloating, we recommend:

• Eating a balanced diet: Prioritize fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, which can help maintain a healthy and regular digestive system.
  
• Drinking enough water: Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Water helps prevent constipation and makes food passing through the digestive system easier.
  
• Identifying foods that cause bloating: Some foods can increase gas production in the intestine, contributing to abdominal bloating. These foods include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beans, and carbonated beverages. Also, some people can worsen their symptoms by eating some carbs, so identifying foods is key to a better quality of life.
  
• Limiting consumption of fatty and fried foods: Fatty and fried foods can be more difficult to digest and may lead to stomach discomfort and bloating in some people. Try to limit their consumption and opt for healthier cooking options, such as boiling or air frying.
  
• Engaging in regular physical activity: Regular exercise can help stimulate bowel movement and prevent constipation, consequently reducing abdominal bloating.
  
• Avoiding stress: Stress can affect the digestive system and cause symptoms such as abdominal bloating. Practice stress management techniques, like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, to help reduce stress and improve digestive health.

These practical tips can improve your gastrointestinal health. It is important to perform them on a daily and constant basis to have a beneficial effect on your health.

Treatment options

The treatment depends on the cause of the discomfort. You must consult a doctor to arrive at a diagnosis and to carry out an optimal treatment.

Various home remedies can help you alleviate the symptoms at home.

• Herbal teas: These teas, including peppermint, chamomile, ginger, turmeric, and fennel, can help digestion and decrease excessive gas (12). 
  
• Peppermint oil capsules: These are a natural antispasmodic, which means they help relax the intestinal muscles. This can help eliminate abdominal pain and, eventually, decrease flatulence (13).
  
• Antacids: They have been shown to relieve inflammation in the digestive tract and help eliminate gas more easily. Antacids often include the active ingredient simethicone, which works by altering the surface tension of gas bubbles, making them easier to remove from the body (14).
  
• Probiotic consumption: Probiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeasts, that provide health benefits. They are found naturally in fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso, or can be consumed as dietary supplements. Probiotics can help maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut (15), promoting healthy digestion and preventing disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.
  
• Psyllium husk: This popular fiber supplement can help you achieve more regular bowel movements (16). Always introduce fiber supplements gradually, with plenty of water. Over-the-counter laxatives can also be used as needed.
  
• Regular exercise: It improves intestinal transit, such as gastric bloating symptoms.

These home remedies may help relieve symptoms. However, it is important to keep in mind that they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Therefore, seeking appropriate therapeutic guidance from a healthcare professional is crucial.

How do you know if your bloating is serious?

Typically, abdominal bloating is temporary and usually goes away with changes in dietary habits. However, sometimes, you should pay attention to certain symptoms that may raise suspicion of a more serious cause. The red flags are:

• Abdominal pain: Severe or worsening abdominal pain, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or vomiting, could indicate a more serious problem such as intestinal obstruction, infection, or inflammation.
• Unintentional weight loss
• Blood in stool
• Difficulty swallowing
• Family history: If you have a family history of gastrointestinal conditions such as colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or celiac disease, you should consult your physician as soon as you notice the first symptoms.

If you experience any of these “red flags” along with swelling, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate management.