MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Abdominal bloating

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Abdominal bloating

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Definition Causes

Illustrations

Abdominal ultrasound

Alternative Names Return to top

Bloating; Meteorism

Definition Return to top

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

Causes Return to top

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.

Update Date: 3/8/2008

Updated by: 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.

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