What Causes Abdominal Bloating and Pain?

Generally, abdominal distension and abdominal pain may result from various causes, including food retention (indigestion), intestinal gas accumulation, functional dyspepsia, chronic enteritis, or intestinal obstruction. If such discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. A detailed analysis follows:

1. Food Retention (Indigestion)

Eating large quantities of food within a short period leads to accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract, impairing timely digestion. This places pressure on the gastric and intestinal walls, resulting in abdominal distension and pain. Recommendations include eating smaller, more frequent meals; choosing light, easily digestible foods; taking a gentle walk after meals to aid digestion; and reducing intake of greasy and high-calorie foods.

2. Intestinal Gas Accumulation

Swallowing air excessively—due to rapid eating or habitual air swallowing—or consuming gas-producing foods can cause gas to accumulate in the intestines without adequate expulsion, leading to abdominal distension and mild abdominal pain. Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly, limiting intake of gas-producing foods (e.g., legumes, carbonated beverages), and performing clockwise abdominal massage can help facilitate gas expulsion.

3. Functional Dyspepsia

This condition involves disordered gastrointestinal motility and insufficient digestive enzyme secretion, causing delayed gastric emptying and prolonged fermentation of food, which generates excess gas and triggers abdominal distension and pain. Treatment may include medications prescribed by a physician—such as domperidone tablets, mosapride tablets, or Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets—and maintaining regular meal patterns while avoiding overeating or binge eating.

4. Chronic Enteritis

Chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa results in mucosal congestion and edema, impairing digestion and absorption and disrupting normal intestinal motility—leading to recurrent abdominal distension and pain. Medications prescribed by a physician—such as triple-strain bifidobacterium capsules, norfloxacin capsules, or Changyan Ning tablets—may be used. Additionally, avoid spicy and irritating foods and ensure adequate abdominal warmth.

5. Intestinal Obstruction

This occurs when passage of intestinal contents is blocked, causing accumulation and obstruction within the bowel. Symptoms include severe abdominal distension, paroxysmal abdominal pain, and often cessation of both bowel movements and flatus. Mild cases may be managed conservatively with fasting, intravenous fluid replacement, and gastrointestinal decompression; severe cases require surgical intervention—including adhesiolysis, bowel reduction, or partial bowel resection.

In daily life, maintain regular eating habits and chew food thoroughly; adopt a balanced diet while minimizing gas-producing and irritating foods; engage in moderate physical activity to promote gastrointestinal motility; and consult a healthcare provider promptly for persistent or recurrent abdominal discomfort.