Treatment for bloating and gas

Bloating can feel like pressure, fullness or visible abdominal swelling. Gas may build up from swallowed air or from bacteria breaking down food in the bowel. Food intolerance, lactose intolerance, coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, giardiasis or Helicobacter pylori infection can produce related symptoms, particularly when there is diarrhoea, constipation, cramps or a clear food pattern.

Eat slowly, chew thoroughly and reduce fizzy drinks, chewing gum and habits that make you swallow air. Keep a short diary of meals, bowel movements and symptoms rather than removing many foods at once. Gentle movement can support bowel function. A clinician may suggest targeted dietary advice, a suitable medicine for constipation or diarrhoea, or testing when symptoms point to an intolerance or infection. Nutrition counselling can help keep changes balanced.

Book an assessment if bloating is persistent, worsening, regularly interrupts daily life or is associated with altered bowel habits. Seek urgent care for severe pain, a swollen and tender abdomen, repeated vomiting, blood or black stool, fever, faintness, or inability to pass stool or gas.

Ask whether your symptom diary suggests an intolerance, whether testing is needed before changing your diet, and which warning signs should trigger urgent review.