Bloating Specialist

What is bloating?

Bloating is a symptom that causes your belly to feel tight and full. The fullness often occurs because of excess gas or a decrease in gastrointestinal motility. 

No matter the cause, bloating causes discomfort that may affect your day-to-day routine, especially if the sensation is an ongoing problem.

At GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, the team specializes in diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of bloating to help you get relief for your symptoms and improve your gastrointestinal function.  

What causes bloating?

Many conditions may cause bloating. 

Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common causes of this uncomfortable symptom. With constipation, you may not empty your bowel as quickly as normal, allowing more time for the bacteria to ferment food waste, increasing gas production. 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a gastrointestinal condition that causes a wide array of symptoms, including bloating, as well as abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. 

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis occurs when the movement through your gastrointestinal tract slows down. Like constipation, this condition allows food to sit in your digestive tract longer, increasing gas production.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Bloating is also a common symptom of SIBO. This gastrointestinal condition often develops after abdominal surgery and causes a slowdown of food waste through your small intestine. 

You may also develop bloating if you have a food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance or food allergies, or celiac disease. 

What happens during an evaluation for bloating?

The GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, team conducts in-depth clinical exams when you come in with concerns about bloating so they can determine the right diagnosis.

Your gastroenterologist asks detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical. They also run diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis, such as blood tests, a stool test, upper endoscopy, or colonoscopy.

How is bloating treated?

Your gastroenterologist at GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, develops individualized treatment plans for your bloating based on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your plan may include:

• Diet modification
• Gastrointestinal motility medication
• Disease-specific medication
• Antibiotics
• Lifestyle changes

The experts work one-on-one with you to create a plan that provides the best relief from your symptoms.

To find out what’s causing your bloating and gas, call GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, or schedule a consultation online today.