Chronic Bloating Diagnosis and Treatment at Mercy in Baltimore

The Center for Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility at Mercy offers physicians with focused expertise in a variety of digestive issues that may cause discomfort and symptoms such as chronic bloating.

About Chronic Bloating

Bloating is a condition in which your belly feels full and tight, often due to gas. There are many possible causes of abdominal bloating including fluid retention, irritable bowel syndrome, motility problems and infection.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms that may accompany bloating can include:

Constipation
Abdominal pain
Gut sensitivity
Pain
Cramping
Diarrhea
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Gastroparesis
Problems with your ovaries or uterus

There isn’t one specific diagnostic test for bloating since the underlying causes can vary. Your doctor may order tests such as:

Stool analysis
Blood work-up
Abdominal X-ray
Barium swallow test
Small transmit follow-through
Barium enema
Gastric emptying test
Anorectal manometry
Colonic transit study
Breath test
Upper endoscopy
Colonoscopy with biopsies

Treatment Options for Chronic Bloating

There is no universally effective treatment for bloating and stomach distention. Duodenal aspirate cultures may help identify infections in the small bowel that may cause bloating.

Treatment varies for each individual, and our team at Mercy is dedicated to working with each of our patients to find the most comfortable and effective treatment options for each individual case.

When Should You Be Concerned About Bloating? - Dr. Bryan Curtin - Mercy

Mercy gastroenterologist Dr. Bryan Curtin discusses the potential causes of severe bloating. Find out more at mdmercy.com

The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease at Mercy provides diagnosis and treatment for a range of gastroenterology issues including heartburn, liver disease, bowel conditions, motility disorders and pancreatic disease.