Bloating is that uncomfortable feeling of fullness and tightness in your belly, usually caused by extra air or gas building up in your digestive tract. Almost everyone deals with it now and then, often after a big meal or certain foods. For most people it comes and goes on its own.
When bloating happens often, sticks around, or comes with other symptoms, it can be a sign of something more going on. The good news is that bloating is very treatable once you understand what is driving it. Our gastroenterologists in Akron and Massillon can help you find the cause and feel comfortable again.
Symptoms
Bloating can show up on its own or alongside other digestive symptoms. Common signs include:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Visible swelling or a distended belly
- Cramping
- Frequent burping or passing gas
- Nausea
- Changes in your stool
What causes it
Sometimes bloating is simply the result of swallowed air or gas-producing foods. Other times it points to an underlying condition. Common causes include:
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, also called SIBO
- Lactose intolerance
- Acid reflux, also known as GERD
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Constipation
- Diverticulitis
- Liver disease
How we diagnose it
We start with your history and a physical exam, and we ask about your diet, your symptoms, and when the bloating tends to happen. Depending on what we find, we may recommend testing for food intolerances or bacterial overgrowth, lab work, or a closer look at your digestive tract. The goal is to pinpoint the cause so we can treat it directly rather than just the symptom.
How we treat it
For mild, occasional bloating, antacids and simple dietary changes often do the trick. When an underlying condition is involved, treating that condition is what brings lasting relief. Your plan may include changes to what and how you eat, probiotics to support a healthier balance of gut bacteria, and targeted treatment for any condition we uncover. We tailor the approach to you and follow up to make sure it is working.
When to see us
Occasional bloating is normal, but you do not have to live with discomfort that keeps coming back. If your bloating is frequent, painful, or comes with weight loss, persistent pain, or changes in your bowel habits, it is worth getting checked.
To get answers and relief, call The Gastroenterology Group at (330) 869-0954 or request an appointment. We welcome new patients at our Akron and Massillon offices.