Why am I always bloated?

Feeling bloated from time to time is common, but when bloating becomes frequent, it can interfere with daily life and signal an underlying digestive issue. Bloating is feeling uncomfortably full, tight, distended or swollen in the abdomen, even after eating small meals. At NYGA, our gastroenterologists help patients uncover the cause of chronic bloating and develop effective, personalized treatment plans.

What is bloating and why does it happen?

Bloating occurs when the abdomen feels distended or uncomfortable, often due to changes in digestion, gas production, or fluid balance. While occasional bloating may be related to diet or eating habits, ongoing symptoms usually require a closer look.

Gas vs. fluid

Gas-related bloating happens when air builds up in the digestive tract. This may occur from swallowing air while eating, chewing gum, or drinking carbonated beverages. Fluid-related bloating, on the other hand, may be caused by hormonal changes, inflammation, or sodium imbalance, leading to abdominal swelling.

Digestive distension

Digestive distension refers to visible abdominal expansion resulting from slowed digestion or increased intestinal pressure. This can occur when food is not moving efficiently through the digestive tract, leading to fermentation and gas buildup.

Common Causes of Frequent Bloating

Bloating can have many causes, including dietary triggers, constipation, and changes in gut motility. Eating large meals, consuming high-fat foods, or eating too quickly can all contribute. Certain carbohydrates, especially those that are poorly absorbed, can ferment in the gut and produce excess gas.

Hormonal fluctuations, stress, and dehydration may also play a role. When bloating occurs regularly or worsens over time, it’s important to consider whether a digestive condition may be involved.

Bloating After Eating: What Your Body May Be Telling You

If bloating occurs shortly after meals, your body may be signaling that you're having difficulty digesting certain foods. Food intolerances, such as lactose or fructose intolerance, can cause bloating, gas, and discomfort within hours of eating. High-fiber foods can also cause bloating when introduced too quickly or consumed without adequate hydration.

Post-meal bloating may also indicate delayed stomach emptying, acid-related disorders, inflammation in the digestive tract or gut bacterial imbalances. Tracking when symptoms occur and which foods trigger them can provide helpful clues for diagnosis.

Conditions Linked to Chronic Bloating

Chronic constipation

If you aren’t emptying your bowels frequently enough, stool can build up and lead to chronic daily bloating, which can often get worse with eating. Manging constipation with safe daily laxatives and a bowel regimen can often be the first step to managing chronic bloating.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is one of the most common causes of chronic bloating. People with IBS often experience bloating alongside abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and gas. Stress and certain foods can worsen symptoms. While IBS is not dangerous, it can significantly affect quality of life without proper management.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO occurs when excess bacteria grow in the small intestine, leading to fermentation of food and gas production. Symptoms often include bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation, and a feeling of being uncomfortably full after eating. Breath testing is commonly used to diagnose SIBO and guide treatment.

Other conditions that may contribute to bloating include constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, stomach inflammation/ulcers/gastritis, and gynecologic issues. A thorough evaluation is essential to identify the root cause.

When to See a Gastroenterologist in NYC for Bloating

You should consider seeing a gastroenterologist if bloating is persistent or worsening, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, or changes in appetite. Bloating that interferes with daily activities or does not improve with dietary changes should not be ignored.

At NYGA, our gastroenterologists use diagnostic tools, including breath testing, imaging, endoscopy, and nutrition assessment, to identify the cause of bloating and create a personalized treatment plan.

 

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