Bloating is a feeling of tightness or fullness in your belly, often caused by excess gas or air in the digestive tract. It's common to experience bloating from time to time, but frequent or severe bloating may signal an underlying issue that needs attention.
You may notice one or more of the following when you're bloated:
Several factors can lead to bloating, including:
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Bloating is usually sudden, temporary, and caused by gas or fluid shifts, whereas true fat gain develops gradually over time and is persistent.
Yes, bloating can make you feel and appear heavier, but this "weight" is due to retained gas and water, not an increase in body fat.
Frequent post-meal bloating may stem from food intolerances (like lactose or gluten), high-FODMAP foods, swallowing air, or slowed digestion (gastroparesis).
The ICD-10 code for bloating without significant pain is R14.0, used by healthcare providers for diagnosis and insurance purposes.
Yes-over-the-counter options include simethicone to break up gas bubbles, activated charcoal tablets, and peppermint oil capsules for quick relief.
Simethicone is effective for gas relief. If slow motility is the issue, your doctor may prescribe pro-motility agents like metoclopramide or domperidone.
Look for a probiotic containing Lactobacillus and/or Bifidobacterium strains with at least 1 billion CFUs to help balance gut bacteria and reduce gas production.
Bloating accompanied by stomach gurgling often indicates excess gas or slow digestion; in some cases, it may point to IBS or other digestive disorders.
Yes-natural options include digestive enzymes before meals, ginger or peppermint tea, activated charcoal, and low-FODMAP diet modifications.
Absolutely. Stress can slow gastric emptying and alter gut motility, leading to increased gas buildup and bloating. Techniques like deep breathing or yoga can help.
