What causes persistent bloating, and when is it more than gas?
Bloating can result from swallowed air, food, constipation, food intolerance or other digestive conditions. It should not automatically be labelled irritable bowel syndrome or bacterial overgrowth. Recurrent or increasing bloating, especially with other symptoms, deserves assessment.
Details
Start with the symptom pattern
Record links with meals, bowel movements and menstrual periods, plus early fullness, pain or stool changes. Smaller meals, slower eating and fewer fizzy drinks may help, but avoid excluding many food groups without a plan.
When to book assessment
Seek review when symptoms persist despite changes, or with unintentional weight loss, blood in stool, a lump or persistent early fullness. Women may also need assessment for gynaecological causes; bloating alone does not mean cancer.
Emergency warning signs
Sudden severe pain with distension, vomiting blood, or inability to pass stool and gas with pain and vomiting needs urgent care. Do not mask ongoing symptoms with antibiotics, strong laxatives or colon-cleansing mixtures without identifying the cause.
Related reading: Does colon cleansing remove toxins, and is it safe?.