Bloating is a feeling of fullness or a visibly swollen abdomen. Common causes include gas from fermenting food in the gut, constipation, swallowing air while eating quickly or chewing gum, and foods that produce gas such as beans, onions, cabbage and fizzy drinks. Lactose or other food intolerances and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are frequent reasons for recurring bloating.
Helpful steps include eating more slowly, having smaller regular meals, staying active, drinking enough water, and reducing gassy foods or known intolerances. Treating constipation often relieves bloating too.
See a doctor if bloating is persistent (most days for three weeks or more), new in someone over 50, or comes with unintended weight loss, a change in bowel habit, blood in the stool, difficulty eating, or abdominal pain. In women, ongoing bloating should be assessed because it can occasionally be a sign of ovarian problems.