Bloating and Gas – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Bloating and gas are common gastrointestinal symptoms characterized by discomfort due to excess air or gas in the digestive system.

Common Causes of Bloating and Gas

1. Dietary Factors: Consuming gas-producing foods like beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, carbonated beverages, or artificial sweeteners can lead to bloating and gas.
2. Lactose Intolerance: Inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, can result in gas and bloating after consuming dairy.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and bloating, often triggered by certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes.
4. Gastrointestinal Infections: Bacterial or viral infections, such as gastroenteritis, can lead to temporary bloating and gas as the body fights off the infection.
5. Constipation: Infrequent or difficult bowel movements can cause trapped gas and bloating.
6. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can lead to excessive gas production and bloating.
7. Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten damages the small intestine, causing digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
8. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to bloating and gas.
9. Gastroparesis: Delayed stomach emptying can result in bloating, as food ferments in the stomach.
10. Diverticulosis: Small pouches (diverticula) in the colon can trap gas and lead to bloating, which may progress to diverticulitis if infected.

Related Treatments

• Gastroenterology
• Diet & Nutrition