What is bloating?

Bloating is a feeling that your tummy is distended or stretched. You may feel 'gassy' or full.

Bloating is more common in females than males.

This article focusses on bloating due to intestinal gas.

What symptoms are related to bloating?

If you are feeling bloated, you may also have:

• abdominal (tummy) pain
• burping
• gas (flatulence, or farting)

Females may notice bloating symptoms more before their periods.

What causes bloating?

Bloating can be caused by many different things. Most causes of bloating are not too serious.

Gas may build up in your gut when you:

• eat certain foods
• swallow a lot of air when you eat too fast
• drink a lot of fizzy drinks or chew a lot of gum

Regular bloating can be caused by conditions such as:

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• constipation
• coeliac disease
• food intolerances, for example lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance

How is the cause of bloating diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and how long you have had them. They will want to know if anything makes your symptoms better or worse. They will also ask about your diet and your family history.

Your doctor will examine you and may recommend tests, such as blood tests or stool (poo) tests.

Your doctor may refer you to a dietitian or gastroenterologist (a doctor who looks at problems with your digestive system).

In some people, a gastroscopy or colonoscopy may be recommended. During these procedures, a flexible tube with a camera is used to look inside your digestive tract. Your doctor can take biopsies (tissue samples) during these tests.

Bloating can sometimes be due to other problems. Your doctor may order an ultrasound scan or other imaging tests to rule out other causes.

When should I see my doctor?

If your bloating doesn't get better, you should see your doctor.

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have bloating as well as:

• diarrhoea
• vomiting
• ongoing or severe abdominal (tummy) pain
• blood in your stools (poo)
• changes in your stools
• weight loss without trying to lose weight
• loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
• fever

How is bloating treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of your bloating.

Diet

Adjusting your diet can help with bloating.

It's important to talk to your doctor or a dietitian before starting any diet or excluding foods from your diet. But take note of any foods that make your bloating worse and discuss this with your doctor or dietitian.

If you have constipation with your bloating, try:

• eating more high-fibre foods such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrains
• increasing the amount of water that you drink
• exercising regularly

Medicines and supplements for bloating

Your doctor may suggest medicines to help with your bloating. Depending on why you are bloated, these may include:

• laxatives to help treat constipation
• medicines to help with digestion
• fibre supplements
• supplements and herbal preparations

There is some evidence that changing your gut microbiome may help with bloating. Your doctor may recommend probiotics or a change in diet to help with your gut health.

Other treatment options

Psychological or behavioural therapies may be helpful in treating some causes of bloating. These can include:

• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• gut-directed hypnotherapy

Talk to your doctor about whether these treatments may be helpful for you.

Resources and support

For bloating caused by diet, IBS or food intolerance, you can visit Dietitians Australia for more information. Use their search tool to Find a dietitian.

Nutrition Australia has more information about the gut microbiome and tips for gut health.

The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) has information about conditions that can affect your gut.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.