Abdominal Bloating Causes

Abdominal bloating is often described as the tightness or fullness of the abdomen, which may or may not be accompanied by swelling or distension. The common symptoms of abdominal bloating are flatulence (accumulation of excessive gas in the abdomen), frequent burping and rumbling sound in the abdomen, termed as borborygymi. But, it is not necessary that the symptoms are common for all. It can vary from one person to another. Abdominal bloating can cause discomfort and in some cases, extreme pain in the pelvic region. Sometimes, the discomfort and pain can also spread to the sides, chest, etc.

Abdominal Bloating Causes

There are several factors, which can be held responsible for abdominal bloating. This condition may occur during pregnancy or in obese people or those affected with ascites (inflammation of the abdomen due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal and pelvic cavities). The following are some of the causes of abdominal bloating.

• Aerophagia, which is defined as voluntary or involuntary swallowing of air, can be one of the abdominal bloating causes. Normally, air in the esophagus and is passed out with belches, but once it enters the intestinal tract, there is no way out, except to release through the anus. Mild forms of aerophagia do not cause flatulence, but severe forms can lead to stomach bloating.
• Helicobacter pylori infection, which is one of the causes of gastoesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis and peptic ulcers, is often associated with abdominal bloating too.
• Causes for abdominal bloating also include consumption of certain foods that contribute to flatulence. They include carbonated drinks (if gas is not released through belching), alcohol, foods high in fiber (beans, cabbage, sprouts, etc.), sugary foods and sweets, starchy foods and some medications.
• Some people experience lactose intolerance, a condition, wherein the body is not able to digest lactose found in milk, and other dairy products. Such condition can cause abdominal bloating in the affected people. Lactose intolerance is characterized by nausea, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, etc.
• Gluten intolerance or celiac disease is also considered as a cause of abdominal bloating. This condition is caused by the body's inability to digest a protein called gluten, present in some starchy foods, like wheat, rye, etc.
• Full or partial obstruction of the intestine is one of the abdominal bloating causes. Such obstruction can be due to many factors, like, tumors, intestinal adhesions, intestinal twisting, presence of foreign bodies, etc.
• Irritable bowel syndrome, which is characterized by a very slow or very fast bowel movement is also responsible for stomach bloating. In such cases, bloating is accompanied by constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps.
• Apart from the above said causes, constipation, food poisoning, overeating, dumping syndrome, visceral fat, menstruation or dysmenorrhea, ovarian cysts or polycystic ovarian syndrome, severe parasitic infestation of the intestines, diverticulosis, Alvarez' syndrome, etc. can also contribute to the occurrence of abdominal bloating.

The rare and uncommon abdominal bloating causes include, intra-abdominal tumors, like those in the liver, stomach, ovary, uterus, colon, etc. an abnormal dilation of the colon, cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures, etc. Treatment for persistent abdominal bloating should be aimed at curing the underlying situation, which is the cause for this condition. Try to find out the particular food item, which is responsible for bloating and flatulence. Avoid such foods, especially dairy products. In case of severe and persistent bloating, consult your physician immediately.