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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.
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.
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.
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