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Abdominal bloating

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Bloating; Meteorism

Common 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.

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