Abdominal bloating Health Article

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Table of Contents

Definition Alternative Names Common Causes

Reviewer Info: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 03/08/2008

Definition

Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the abdomen (belly) feels full and tight.

Alternative Names

Bloating; Meteorism

Common Causes

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

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

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Abdominal ultrasound

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