Why Am I So Bloated?
This quiz was independently created by wikiHow and sponsored by ColonBroom. Bloating. It’s uncomfortable, it’s annoying, and sometimes, it’s painful—but what causes that full, tense feeling in your stomach? There are actually a few common culprits that bring on gas pain and bloating. And luckily, they’re pretty easy to identify.
Answer a few quick questions below, and we’ll help you determine the cause of your bloating. Plus, we’ll give you effective, expert-backed tips for preventing bloating in the future. Click “Start Quiz” now.
Questions Overview
- Yes, for weeks I’ve been eating less healthily and generally consuming more food.
- A little. In the past couple of days, my diet might’ve included more carbs, processed foods, beans, and fizzy drinks.
- I’m not sure—I’ve been feeling stressed for the past couple of weeks, and that sometimes affects my diet.
- No, my diet hasn’t changed.
- Yes, I’m working out less than I have in the past.
- No, but for what it’s worth, I probably won’t work out today—my gas pain is too uncomfortable.
- A little. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed, and I think my relationship with exercise has changed as a result (i.e., I’ve either been exercising much more, or much less).
- No, my exercise routine hasn’t changed.
- Maybe. I wouldn’t say that my life’s been smooth sailing recently, but I’m not sure I’ve experienced “major” life changes.
- Yes, definitely. And it has negatively affected my mood and mental health.
- No.
- Neutral or unsure.
- It’s been occurring on and off for a few weeks or months.
- It’s noticeably increased in the last couple of days.
- Now that I’m looking back, my bloating began around the same time that I experienced a big lifestyle or mood change.
- I think I’ve been experiencing it regularly for most of my life.
- Yes, I think I’ve noticed my face take on a rounder shape. I might’ve gained weight.
- No, nothing besides the stomach bloating and discomfort.
- Yes, I haven’t been sleeping as well (or, I might be experiencing headaches).
- Neutral or unsure.
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
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Bloating: Causes, Solutions, & Signs It’s Serious
Bloating: it’s uncomfortable, it’s frustrating, and it’s also very common. But what causes bloating? And how do you know when you need a doctor’s intervention?
Bloating is a feeling of tightness, fullness, or pressure in your abdomen. Sometimes, bloating also involves a visibly extended stomach. There are so many things that can cause bloating, and most of them are totally normal parts of everyday life. Specifically, bloating is often caused by:
Gas. Gas and flatulence can come on for tons of different reasons. You might have a slight food intolerance, you might've eaten your food too quickly, or you might've chowed down on a snack that can create gas. Some of these foods include beans, lentils, veggies, dairy products or carbonated beverages.
Constipation. When there's a backup in your digestive system, that can create gas, pressure, and a feeling of fullness. Again, this can lead to a bloated feeling.
Health disorders, like IBS or GERD. Chronic digestive disorders can cause repeated bloating, so if you suffer from something like irritable bowel syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux disease, you might find that disruptions in your digestive system (like bloating) are normal. Luckily, if you speak to your doctor, you'll find that there are plenty of treatment options that can help you manage your symptoms.
Menstrual cycles. Bloating is a common symptom of periods, similar to cramps and cravings. During the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels are higher, which can lead a person's body to retain more water. And more water retention leads to bloating.
When should you see a doctor? Most bloating pains are no big deal, but sometimes bloating can be a sign of something more serious. Specifically, you should always get a doctor's opinion if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Blood in mucus or stool
- Chronic vomiting or constipation
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Significant changes in bowel movements
- Unexplained weight loss
- Any symptoms that are severely disrupting your life
Want to learn more?
For more information about bloating, gas, and gut health, check out these authoritative resources below:
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Any medically related content, whether User Content or otherwise found on the Service, is not intended to be medical advice or instructions for medical diagnosis or treatment, and no physician-patient or psychotherapist-patient relationship is, or is intended to be, created.
