Not only can upper abdominal bloating lead to discomfort and gas, but it can also significantly interfere with daily activities. There are many potential causes of this symptom, but swallowing air, indigestion, and food intolerance are among the most common triggers. Upper inflammation can also be due to a side effect of a medication or related to a more serious health condition. Remember to always consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis if you have severe or ongoing abdominal swelling.
4 common causes of swelling in the abdomen
Swallowed air
Inflammation is a feeling of increased abdominal pressure. When this symptom occurs in the upper abdomen, it usually means that something is happening in the stomach or small intestine. Swallowed air is one of the causes of stomach bloating, and if this is the trigger, belching often occurs as well . Eating fast, drinking carbonated beverages, or drinking through a straw can lead to excessive air intake. Even poorly fitting dentures or smoking can cause this problem.
Consumption of certain foods
Simply eating large meals or fatty foods can cause a feeling of fullness and bloating in the upper abdomen, but food intolerance or poor digestion can also cause this symptom. Inflammation is common in people who do not properly digest certain types of carbohydrates , such as lactose in milk, fructose from fruits and vegetables, sugar alcohols commonly found in foods with no added sugar or oligosaccharides, found in certain grains, onions , garlic and dried beans, peas and lentils.
When these completely undigested food particles reach the colon, the resident gut bacteria feast and produce excess gas , causing the sensation of bloating. While these symptoms tend to be more common in the lower abdomen, excess gas production can cause a feeling of bloating throughout the abdomen.
Indigestion
Upper abdominal bloating is also a symptom related to indigestion, also called dyspepsia. Described as a feeling of pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, symptoms related to dyspepsia include an upset stomach, gas, a feeling of fullness or bloating after eating, as well as a burning sensation. Dyspepsia is caused by a variety of factors, including medications, delayed stomach emptying, swallowing problems, stomach ulcers, or acid reflux.
Intestinal disorders
Abdominal bloating can also be related to a bowel disorder. Irritable bowel syndrome , or IBS, is a set of symptoms that includes abdominal discomfort, which can be caused by cramps, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a situation where there is an increase in the number and type of bacteria that reside in the small intestine, can lead to abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, bloating, and excess gas. Prolonged constipation can also lead to accumulation of stool and trapped gas, causing an uncomfortable bloated feeling.
Other gastrointestinal disorders can also lead to bloating, but symptoms may not be specific to the upper abdominal area. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system, triggered by gluten, attacks the small intestine. In people with celiac disease, consuming gluten, which is found naturally in wheat, barley, and rye, can lead to bloating, gas, and other symptoms. Inflammatory bowel disease , including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and gastroparesis, a disorder that causes slow emptying of the stomach, are other conditions that can also lead to bloating.
Other causes
Other conditions or medications can cause swelling in the upper abdomen, although these may not be specific to the abdominal area. Certain medications can cause dyspepsia or impaired movement of the intestinal muscles and cause gastrointestinal symptoms including bloating. Medical conditions that block the outlet between the stomach and the small intestine can also cause bloating, nausea, vomiting, and pain.
Foodborne illness can cause bloating while you are sick or after active illness has resolved, as food intolerance and IBS can sometimes develop after a foodborne infection. Bloating is a common symptom before and during the menstrual cycle , and it can also be a sensation related to fluid retention , which is a serious problem if caused by liver, kidney, lung, or heart disease. Swelling can also be a symptom of certain types of cancer, including cancer of the ovaries, stomach, pancreas, and colon.
Although some causes of bloating are not serious and can be resolved with changes in diet or eating practices, sometimes bloating is a sign of something more serious. If the swelling occurs frequently or if you experience significant pain, talk to your doctor about the symptoms.
