Abdominal bloating Health Article

Definition

Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the abdomen feels full and tight. It is usually caused by gas in the bowel.

Alternative Names

Bloating

Common Causes

• Overeating
• Lactose intolerance and other food intolerances
• Air swallowing (a nervous habit)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Partial bowel obstruction
• Constipation
• Small bowel bacterial overgrowth

Important but uncommon causes of abdominal bloating include ascites and tumors, such as those arising from ovarian cancer.