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Bloating and gas are extremely common digestive complaints, and most people experience them after certain meals, stress, or eating too quickly. But when these symptoms become persistent, painful, or disruptive, it’s important to understand whether they are caused by IBS or something more serious. Dr. Husney helps patients determine what’s behind their bloating by identifying whether it stems from a functional issue like IBS or an underlying gastrointestinal condition that requires treatment.
Bloating occurs when the intestinal tract becomes filled with air, gas, or fluid. Occasional bloating after carbonated drinks, salty meals, or larger portions is completely normal. Chronic bloating, however, may indicate digestive imbalance or disease. IBS is one of the most common causes of frequent bloating. In IBS, the intestines are overly sensitive and react strongly to normal digestion, causing gas buildup, abdominal pressure, cramping, and visible distension. IBS symptoms often include alternating constipation and diarrhea, discomfort that improves after a bowel movement, and flare-ups triggered by certain foods or stress. While IBS does not damage the intestines, it can significantly affect daily life.
However, not all bloating is due to IBS. Several medical conditions can cause persistent or worsening bloating and require evaluation. Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, can cause bloating along with diarrhea, weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies. Lactose and fructose intolerance are also common and lead to rapid fermentation in the gut, producing gas shortly after eating. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO, occurs when excess bacteria build up in the small intestine; patients often describe severe bloating shortly after meals. More serious causes include inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which can present with diarrhea, bleeding, weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Gastroparesis, where the stomach empties slowly, also leads to bloating and early fullness. In women, ovarian disorders may cause persistent bloating, and although uncommon, colon cancer or large polyps can also produce similar symptoms, especially in individuals over 45 or with a family history of gastrointestinal disease.
Knowing when to see a gastroenterologist is crucial. Red flags include unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool, persistent diarrhea, fever, anemia, nighttime symptoms, or new digestive symptoms after age 45. These signs suggest something more serious than IBS and should be evaluated promptly. Any ongoing bloating lasting more than four weeks also merits a medical assessment. Dr. Husney performs a comprehensive evaluation that may include blood tests, stool studies, breath testing for intolerances or SIBO, abdominal imaging, or endoscopic procedures when needed. These tools help identify the true cause of symptoms and guide the most effective treatment approach.
Treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis. For IBS, Dr. Husney may recommend dietary changes such as the low-FODMAP diet, probiotics, stress-based therapies, medications for IBS-C or IBS-D, or adjustments to bowel motility. For other conditions, treatment may involve gluten elimination for celiac disease, enzyme supplements for intolerances, targeted antibiotics for SIBO, or anti-inflammatory or biologic therapy for inflammatory bowel disease.
Bloating is common, but persistent or painful bloating shouldn’t be ignored. With proper evaluation and treatment, most patients experience significant relief. Dr. Husney provides expert, personalized care to help patients understand the root cause of their symptoms and restore digestive comfort. If bloating or gas is affecting your quality of life, scheduling an evaluation is the first step toward feeling better. call us today at 718-872-5270.