Via practica 2/2013

Abdominal bloating

Abdominal bloating is a very common clinical problem that affects 10 – 30% of people. Bloating is a term used for subjective sensation and to the objective abdominal distension. Although abdominal distension may be present also in organic disorders, where anatomic and structural abnormalities causes complaints, most of the patients have co-existing functional disorder. In order to begin with proper management of patient, it is useful to understand the pathogenic mechanism of bloating. Bloating can be treated effectively if the cause can be determined. In case, no apparent cause is found, it is recommended to avoid offending food items, empirical therapy and occasionally psychological therapy.

Keywords: abdominal bloating, abdominal distension, flatulence