Abdominal bloating

Find

A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N	O	P	R	S	T	U	V	W	Y

Overview	Treatment

Abdominal bloating

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Bloating; Meteorism

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.


Abdominal ultrasound

Review Date: 3/8/2008
Reviewed 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.