When your abdomen feels full, tight, and distends more than normal, you have something called abdominal bloating. Bloating can be caused by numerous lifestyle factors, chronic conditions, intolerances, and infections. If you’re experiencing severe bloating, your primary care physician may refer you to see a gastroenterologist. This type of doctor focuses on infections, diseases, and conditions of the digestive tract, because of their specialty training and experience, gastroenterologists are able to treat bloating with expert care.

Bloating can be extremely uncomfortable and lead to excess intestinal gas and severe pain. Causes for bloating include the following conditions:
 
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly known as IBS, is a chronic disorder of the large intestine causing pain, cramping, and discomfort in the abdomen. IBS is the biggest cause for bloating and can be treated with dietary changes and medications.
 
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis occurs when weakened spots of the colon create pouches that can trap certain bacteria. Severe bloating, nausea, abdominal tenderness, and changes in your bowel movements can be signs of diverticulitis.
 
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease refers to conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. When the large intestine, rectum, and/or lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed, you may start to experience bloating, bloody stool, diarrhea, and fatigue.
 
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs when the pancreas stops producing digestive enzymes. This makes it increasingly difficult for your body to absorb essential nutrients. EPI can lead to bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss, and malnutrition.
 
Gastroparesis
The condition when your stomach is unable to normally empty is gastroparesis. It can cause symptoms of feeling full quickly, bloating, heartburn, vomiting, and nausea. In severe cases of gastroparesis, you may need medications and/or surgery.
 
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a disease of the digestive tract caused by stomach acid getting into the esophagus. GERD displays symptoms of bloating, sore throat, acid regurgitation, chronic cough, and chest pain. To relieve symptoms of GERD you may need to make lifestyle changes and begin taking medications.
 
Additional causes of bloating may include hormones, constipation, overeating, weight gain, bacteria, cancer, medications, and food intolerances.

Stomach bloating can be cause for concern if:
 
– Your bloating doesn’t go away with time
– You have additional symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, fatigue, fainting, or nausea
– Your abdominal pain becomes severe and limits your ability to function
– You lose an abnormal amount of weight
– You have changes in your appetite
– You have changes in your bowel movements
– The bloating is becoming a daily problem

Treatments for relieving bloating are dependent on the cause. Some possible treatments for bloating include:

– Antacids
– Dietary changes
– Over-the-counter gas relief capsules
– Herbal remedies
– Antidepressants
– Abdominal massage
– Increase fiber in your diet
– Exercise and yoga
– Probiotics
– Medications
– Surgery
 
If you’re experiencing severe bloating or have been advised by your primary care physician to see a specialist, contact Diamond Gastroenterology. You can call our front desk anytime during our business hours or request an appointment through our website. We can’t wait to help ease any pain or discomfort and find the root cause of your bloating. Our team of specialized gastroenterologists can help you get back to your everyday life! We serve patients from Oak Park IL, River Forest IL, Cicero IL, River Grove IL, Forest Park IL, Berwyn IL, Melrose Park IL and Broadview IL.