Bloating

You may be bloated if:

• your tummy feels full or bigger than usual
• you have tummy pain or discomfort
• your tummy is rumbling or making noises
• you're farting more than usual

The most common reason for bloating is having a lot of gas in your gut.

This can be caused by some food and drinks, such as some vegetables and fizzy drinks, or by swallowing air when you eat.

It can also be caused by a problem with your digestion, such as:

• constipation
• a food intolerance
• coeliac disease
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Some people feel bloated around the time of their period.

Sometimes, bloating that does not go away can be a sign of something more serious such as ovarian cancer.

• exercise regularly to improve your digestion and help prevent bloating – exercise can also help when you're feeling bloated

• chew with your mouth closed to avoid swallowing air

• drink plenty of water

• eat foods high in soluble fibre if constipated, such as oats or linseed

• eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals

• massage your stomach from right to left to release trapped wind

• do not drink lots of fizzy drinks, alcohol or caffeine in coffee and tea

• do not eat lots of foods that are known to cause gas, like cabbage, beans or lentils

• do not eat large meals late at night before bed or slouch when eating

• do not eat lots of processed, sugary, spicy or fatty foods

• do not eat food you are intolerant to, if you have a food intolerance

You can ask a pharmacist about:

• laxatives to help treat constipation
• medicines like simeticone to help ease the bloating

• you feel bloated regularly
• you've tried changing your diet but keep feeling bloated
• you have bloating and unintentional weight loss
• you have bloating and also have blood in your poo

Treatment for bloating is often not needed. If you need treatment it will depend on the cause.

A GP may:

• refer you to an NHS dietitian if general diet tips, such as cutting down on foods that trigger bloating, are not helping
• refer you to a specialist for tests to find out what may be causing your bloating

Symptoms of bloating include your tummy feeling full and bigger than usual, your tummy rumbling, tummy pain and farting more than usual.

Bloating is usually due to having lots of gas in your gut. It can be caused by some food and drinks, and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

You can usually reduce bloating by making changes to your diet and lifestyle. See a GP if you're very bloated, often bloated or it does not go away.

Treatment for bloating depends on what is causing it. A GP may refer you to a specialist for tests and treatment if needed.