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Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal bloating is the subjective sensation of increased pressure and fullness in the abdomen, which may or may not be accompanied by a visible increase in abdominal girth (distension). It is a very common symptom that usually results from an excess of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, often related to diet, swallowed air, or underlying functional bowel disorders like IBS. While typically benign, persistent or severe bloating can also be a symptom of more serious organic conditions, including bowel obstruction or malabsorption syndromes, and therefore warrants a medical evaluation to determine the cause.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to have a lot of gas?
Passing gas (flatus) 10 to 20 times per day is considered normal. The amount of gas produced depends on your diet and the composition of your gut bacteria. What may seem like an excessive amount of gas to one person may be perfectly normal for another.

Can bloating be a sign of cancer?
While much less common than other causes, persistent bloating, especially if it is new and progressive, can be a symptom of certain cancers, such as ovarian or colon cancer. This is why it is important to have persistent and unexplained bloating evaluated by a doctor, particularly if it is accompanied by other alarm symptoms like weight loss or bleeding.

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