What Causes Abdominal Bloating and How to Relieve It

Generally, abdominal bloating may result from improper diet, prolonged sitting, functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, or intestinal obstruction. Patients should seek appropriate self-care measures or medical consultation based on their individual circumstances. A detailed analysis follows:

1. Improper Diet

Consuming excessive amounts of gas-producing foods or eating too quickly can cause large amounts of gas to accumulate in the intestines, preventing timely expulsion and leading to bloating. Slowing down eating pace, reducing intake of legumes, sweet potatoes, and carbonated beverages, and gently massaging the abdomen after meals can help facilitate gas expulsion.

2. Prolonged Sitting

Extended periods of sitting slow intestinal peristalsis, impeding gas metabolism and elimination, thereby causing gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract and resulting in bloating. It is recommended to stand up and move regularly throughout the day, take gentle walks after meals, and incorporate moderate stretching exercises into daily routines to promote intestinal motility.

3. Functional Dyspepsia

Weakened gastrointestinal digestive function prolongs food retention in the intestines, promoting fermentation and gas production, which leads to abdominal distension. Under a physician’s guidance, medications such as domperidone tablets, Jianweixiaoshi tablets (a traditional Chinese medicine formulation), or mosapride tablets may be used for management. Additionally, maintaining regular mealtimes and adopting a pattern of smaller, more frequent meals is advised.

4. Chronic Gastritis

Chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa impairs digestive enzyme secretion, reduces digestive efficiency, and promotes gas generation through fermentation—contributing to bloating. As prescribed by a physician, medications including omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, or rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets may be administered. A bland, non-irritating diet—avoiding spicy and stimulating foods—is also recommended.

5. Intestinal Obstruction

When intestinal contents cannot pass normally, gas and feces become trapped, resulting in marked abdominal distension. Mild cases may be managed conservatively with fasting and intravenous fluid replacement; severe cases may require surgical interventions such as adhesiolysis or resection with primary anastomosis. Postoperatively, dietary reintroduction should proceed gradually and systematically.

In daily life, cultivating healthy dietary and exercise habits, maintaining regular sleep-wake cycles to support gastrointestinal health, and promptly investigating underlying gastrointestinal issues—especially with recurrent bloating—are essential steps toward early intervention and symptom relief.