Lactose intolerance Obstructed bowel Ovarian cancer Polycystic liver disease Pregnancy Premenstrual syndrome Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection Small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome Strongyloidiasis Tropical sprue Weight gain Whipple's disease Anterior pelvic tilt (lower cross syndrome) Persistent or recurrent bloating may be caused by intestinal parasites, other infections, or other medical conditions. Diagnosis The first step in diagnosis is to determine the etiology of abdominal distension. After making a differential diagnosis of abdominal distension, it is important to take a careful medical history. Here are the most common causes of abdominal distension classified as an underlying cause and as a secondary disease. As an underlying disease cause: Constipation Lactose intolerance and other food intolerances Overeating (due to overproduction of gases in the digestion process) As a secondary disease cause: Celiac disease GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) Peptic ulcer disease Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (e.g., ascites) Treatment Bloating is not life-threatening. In most cases, bloating can be handled with simple home remedies and changes in lifestyle. Foods Certain foods have been known to worsen bloating. Poorly digested components of many foods are excreted into the large intestine where they are degraded by bacteria, producing excess gas. Depending on the undigested component, this may affect the odor and the volume of gas created. Excess dietary fiber intake is a known cause of belching, gas and bloating. Many vegetables are known to cause bloating due to high levels of fiber and undigestible sugars such as raffinose (e.g., beans, cabbage, broccoli). There are many individuals who are unable to tolerate dairy products because of lactose intolerance. Such foods should be eliminated from the diet if symptoms develop. Medications For some people, recurrent distension symptoms worsen their quality of life and thus many resort to health supplements or medications. Dietary supplements containing various enzymes, for example Beano, are formulated to help break down complex carbohydrates and vegetables in order to reduce substances in the gut that cause bacterial overgrowth and subsequent bloating. Though these enzymes can help reduce gas and belching, they may not always reduce bloating. Other over-the-counter formulas recommended for bloating include simethicone and activated charcoal. Probiotics are also used to treat bloating based on the theory that improved gut flora will improve digestion and lessen gas generation. See also Gastric distension References External links MedlinePlus/NIH – Abdominal bloating MedlinePlus/NIH – Abdomen – swollen Symptoms and signs: Digestive system and abdomen