Pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of bloating: Hope, hype, or hot air?

Brian E. Lacy, Scott L. Gabbard, Michael D. Crowell

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Abdominal bloating is commonly reported by men and women of all ages. Bloating occurs in nearly all patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and it also occurs in patients with other functional and organic disorders. Bloating is frequently disturbing to patients and frustrating to clinicians, as effective treatments are limited and are not universally successful. Although the terms bloating and abdominal distention are often used interchangeably, these symptoms likely involve different pathophysiologic processes, both of which are still not completely understood. The goal of this paper is to review the pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of bloating and abdominal distention.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)729-739
Number of pages11
JournalGastroenterology and Hepatology
Volume7
Issue number11
StatePublished - Nov 2011

Keywords

  • Abdominal distention
  • Abdominal pain
  • Antibiotics
  • Bloating
  • Fiber
  • Fructose
  • Irritable bowel syndrome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology

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