Common Questions to Ask Your Bloated Stomach Specialist

Stomach bloating can be caused by constipation, indigestion, and excess intestinal gas, resulting in pain. Board-certified gastroenterologists at Digestive Disease Care (DDC) can help manage your condition. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jamaica NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY and New Hyde Park NY.

The digestive system is a complex collection of organs that work to convert food into energy that can be used by the body. It also involves the excretion of bodily waste and has some overlap with the excretory system. There are several important organs involved in digestion, including the mouth, throat, esophagus, and intestines. The stomach is the organ perhaps most associated with digestion and is responsible for many functions. The stomach is also one of the most prominent regions associated with bloating or abdominal pain.

What causes extreme stomach bloat?

Several things can cause extreme stomach bloating, including any of the following:

• Celiac disease
• Cirrhosis
• Constipation
• IBS
• Lactose intolerance
• Ovarian cancer
• Small intestinal bowel overgrowth

The causes of extreme stomach bloating can be severe and require emergency medical attention. In most cases, bloating can be treated with first-level treatments with a promising prognosis.

What are the symptoms of stomach bloating?

Symptoms of bloating include:

• Abdominal distension
• The feeling of fullness in the belly
• Gas (flatulence)
• Belching

In general, stomach bloating presents itself as an uncomfortable pressure in the abdominal region. This is typically accompanied by feelings of fullness (even when not eating much), or lack of appetite. Furthermore, belching (burping) and gas (flatulence) commonly occur alongside bloating, especially when it is caused by an overabundance of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.

Why do I feel bloated all the time?

There are many reasons that could be responsible for persistent, recurring stomach bloating, ranging from mild to severe. Common culprits are related to diet, but other causes are associated with underlying medical conditions. Causes of bloating include:

• Excess salt intake
• Consuming too many carbohydrates
• Overeating
• Drinking carbonated beverages like soda
• Eating too fast
• Constipation
• Consuming dairy when lactose intolerant
• Too much fructose
• Celiac disease

What to do if your stomach is bloated and hurts?

In most cases, stomach bloating is mild and goes away on its own without the need for professional medical intervention, but certain situations can occur due to a serious problem, necessitating emergency or urgent care. Seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur alongside or in relation to stomach bloating:

• Abdominal pain and bloating that appear suddenly
• Excessive or uncontrolled vomiting
• Blood in your vomit
• Blood in your stool
• A loss of consciousness
• No bowel movements for three days
• Uncontrolled diarrhea

The following symptoms can indicate a medical condition; make an appointment with your doctor if you experience stomach bloating and pain:

• After nearly every meal you eat
• With nausea
• With painful bowel movements
• With painful sexual intercourse

This information is a summary; if you suspect you need urgent care, seek medical attention. If you do not already have a gastroenterologist, visit the medical professionals at Digestive Disease Care today.

How do you know if bloating is serious?

Bloating may be serious if symptoms persist for longer than a few days, or if bloating is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in bowel habits
• Diarrhea
• Blood in stool
• Needing to pass stool more frequently
• Fatigue
• Appetite changes
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling full when eating less
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Fever

If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a visit with a gastroenterologist as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing stomach bloating or abdominal pain, the medical professionals at Digestive Disease Care can help you determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan that uniquely addresses your individual needs. Contact us today or book an online appointment with our bloated stomach specialist. We look forward to serving you! We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jamaica NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY and New Hyde Park NY, and BEYOND.