What Bloating and Abdominal Pain Could Really Mean

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A bloated stomach is a very uncomfortable feeling that can be quite embarrassing when it is accompanied by excessive, smelly gas or the sudden need to run to the toilet. Abdominal bloating may also interfere with your professional, recreational, or social life.

Abdominal pain and bloating typically results when the gastrointestinal (GI) tract fills with gas or air. It is often described as a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swollenness in the abdominal region. The abdomen may also feel hard and painful to the touch. Other common signs of abdominal bloating include frequent belching or burping, and abdominal gurgles or rumbling.

Bloated stomach abdominal pain is so common that some even classify it as an epidemic, since it affects 10% to 30% of people. Stress, exposure to various pollutants, and a poor diet are among the causes of abdominal bloating. As a result, people with abdominal bloating take more days off work, take more medications, and visit the doctor more often than others.

Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of abdominal bloating, as well as when to see a doctor and what natural remedies help treat abdominal pain and bloating. We will also analyze the many potential causes of abdominal bloating, which include constipation, acid reflux, upset stomach, and more.

Signs and Symptoms of Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal pain and bloating are considered two different symptoms. That being said, you are likely to feel both at the same time. These symptoms refer to the ache or distention felt under the gastral cavity and above your pubic bone, also called the lower and upper abdominal regions.

It’s important to note that a bloated stomach is not related to gaining fat mass around the stomach or water retention. It is mainly caused by air being temporarily stuck around the abdomen.

You may experience the following signs and symptoms alongside the gassiness, fullness, and stomach pain of abdominal bloating:
Signs of an allergic reaction (i.e. itchy throat, hives or skin rashes, watery eyes)

• A fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea, constipation, or difficulty going to the bathroom
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bloody stool or urine
• Hemorrhoids
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Irregular periods
• Swollen, painful lymph nodes in your throat, armpits, or groin

Causes of Bloating and Abdominal Pain

In some cases, abdominal pain and bloating are not a cause for concern and can often be relieved with simple dietary and lifestyle changes. Other times, abdominal bloating can be a sign of something more serious, and therefore further action is needed to treat the root of the problem.

Bloating is often a problem with digestion, and many things can affect gut health and the body’s ability to properly metabolize food and eliminate waste.

Gas is thought to be the most common cause of bloating, especially after eating a meal or drinking too fast. Gas builds up in the GI tract when you swallow air or when undigested food gets broken down.

Excessive gas is due to inadequate protein digestion, imbalances in gut bacteria, and the inability to fully break down carbohydrates and sugar.

This section will detail 32 potential causes of abdominal bloating and pain, which are often related to digestive disorders, food sensitivities, parasitic infections, bowel obstruction, hormonal changes like pregnancy, and a number of cancers like stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Let’s get started.

1. Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition in which the body is unable to digest lactose—the sugar often found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, gas, diarrhea, stomach rumbling, nausea, vomiting, and migraines and headaches.

The symptoms will develop within a few hours of consuming drinks or foods that contain lactose, and the severity will depend on personal tolerance and how much lactose has been consumed.

It is also worth noting that not all dairy products cause unpleasant symptoms. For instance, kefir or yogurt contain active cultures that help break down lactose prior to consumption.

2. Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn, is a pain or burning sensation caused by acid backing up from the stomach and into the esophagus and the throat.

The condition can result from pregnancy, hiatal hernias, an unhealthy diet, carbohydrate malabsorption, an underdeveloped digestive system, smoking cigarettes, and taking certain medications like antibiotics or ibuprofen and supplements like iron or potassium.

Symptoms include heartburn, nausea, black stools, a bitter taste in the mouth, unexpected weight loss, pain that starts in the upper abdomen and spreads to the neck or throat, and abdominal pain after eating.

3. Constipation

Constipation is an uncomfortable problem where a person has difficulty emptying their bowels. Hard or difficult to pass stools are a key sign of constipation due to slower-than-normal movement of food waste in the GI tract.

A person also has constipation when they produce fewer than three bowel movements per week.

Constipation is among the most common causes of severe abdominal bloating and abdominal pain. Other symptoms include bowel obstruction, vomiting, gas, appetite loss, and malaise.

4. Intestinal Obstruction

In normal digestion, food particles must travel through 25 feet or more of intestines.

Although digestive wastes are always in motion, an intestinal obstruction can stop normal digestion when there is a blockage in your small or large intestine. This prevents fluids and digested food from passing.

Intestinal obstruction will cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including abdominal pain and bloating, constipation, diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, a reduced appetite, and the inability to pass a stool or gas.

The condition is considered life-threatening, and emergency surgery is therefore required.

5. Dyspepsia or Upset Stomach

Dyspepsia is also called upset stomach or indigestion. It is a condition characterized by a painful or burning feeling in the upper abdominal region or stomach.

The most common dyspepsia symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, cramping in the stomach, a “growling” stomach, nausea and vomiting, gas and belching, constipation, diarrhea, and a burning sensation in the stomach or upper abdomen.

6. Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

The stomach flu is also called the gastric flu or viral gastroenteritis. It is caused by a number of viruses, including the enterovirus, astrovirus, norovirus, and rotavirus.

It is contagious and often transmitted through water contamination, improper hand washing, and the consumption of undercooked or raw shellfish.

Most people will recover without complications; however, the stomach flu can be deadly in others with weak immune systems and in some older adults.

The most common symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, cramps, nausea and vomiting, watery diarrhea, appetite loss, headaches, mild fever, and muscle aches with fatigue.

7. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that occurs a week or two before a woman’s expected period. It impacts up to 85% of menstruating women and produces a wide range of psychological and physiological symptoms.

The severity of symptoms can vary each month and among different women. The most common PMS symptoms include abdominal pain and abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, constipation, diarrhea, acne, fatigue, irritability, sadness, anxiety, depression, mental confusion, and emotional outbursts.

8. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease, or celiac sprue, is an autoimmune digestive disease triggered by an allergy to a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, couscous, barley, spelt, rye, semolina, and other grains.

The disease is rare and affects about one percent of adults. It will damage the small intestine and interfere with nutrient absorption.

Its symptoms often include abdominal pain and bloating, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, chronic fatigue, anemia or other weight changes, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, chronic headaches, bone or joint pains, seizures, mood changes, dull skin and thinning hair, tingling numbness in the feet and hands, and canker sores inside the mouth.

9. Gluten Intolerance

A person can react to gluten without having celiac disease. This is what is called gluten intolerance or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). These people don’t have celiac disease, yet they feel better when they consume a gluten-free diet.

People with gluten intolerance will test negative for celiac disease despite having similar symptoms.

One study published in the journal BMC Medicine in 2014 showed that 87% of people with suspected NCGS had bloating as a symptom. Other research shows that up to 83% of people with gluten intolerance experience abdominal pain after gluten consumption.

Other key symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, foul-smelling stools, fatigue, depression, anxiety, anemia, brain fog, joint and muscle pain, and unexplained weight loss.

10. Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernias happen when part of the stomach pushes through a weak point in your diaphragm muscle.

Symptoms of hiatal hernias are often painless and may go unnoticed. However, large hiatal hernias cause other conditions and complications, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Symptoms will include nausea, vomiting, excessive belching, heartburn, fullness after eating average-sized meals, a sour taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.

There can also be upper abdominal pain or chest pain when the stomach becomes trapped above the diaphragm through the narrowed esophageal hiatus.

11. H. Pylori Infection

The bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) will grow in the digestive tract, and often attack the stomach lining.

About 66% of the world population is affected with H. pylori and having the bacteria in your body can increase your risk of gastric cancer by up to six times.

Most people with a H. pylori infection will show no symptoms; in others, the infection will produce bloating and abdominal pain, especially a few hours after meals.

Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, belching, heartburn, a fever, lack of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. H. pylori is also often the cause of other digestive problems like gastritis and peptic ulcers.

12. Colic

Colic is seen in babies zero to three months old. Intestinal fermentation and an immature pancreas and digestive system in these infants can lead to upset bowels, painful gas, cramps, and a hardened and painful abdomen.

Other symptoms include diarrhea, restless squirming, kicking of the legs, or explosive gas. Your baby will also cry for three or more hours each day, three or more times each week for at least a three-week period.

13. IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is also called spastic colitis, spastic colon, mucous colitis, and irritable colon.

IBS is classified as digestive symptoms that often happen at the same time, and include abdominal pain, aches, cramps, stomach bloating, nausea, heartburn, gas, burping, constipation, diarrhea, and changes in stool appearance.

Symptoms like gas and bloating often go away after a bowel movement. For some people, IBS symptoms will improve, only to come back within a day or two. About 10% to 20% of the American population will experience IBS.

14. Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition that develops after one or more pouches or sacs called diverticula rupture, and inflammation and infection then set in around these pouches.

Symptoms associated with diverticulitis include abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, abdominal tenderness, fever, chills, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and an increase in white blood cells.

About 25% of diverticulitis patients also develop complications such as abscesses, infection or inflammation of the lining of the abdomen, a small tear or hole in a pouch in the colon, or intestinal obstruction.

15. Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in an ovary or on the surface of an ovary. The ovaries are located in the lower abdomen on both sides of the uterus.

Ovarian cysts do not often cause symptoms; however, symptoms may appear as the cyst grows. Common symptoms include abdominal bloating, fullness or heaviness in your abdomen, painful bowel movements, painful sex, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, and a dull or sharp pain in the lower abdomen on the side of the cyst.

16. E. Coli Infection

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is often a beneficial or harmless bacterium found in the intestines of people and animals. That being said, certain kinds of E. coli, like E. coli O157:H7, can cause an infection.

The most common E. coli infection symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, fever, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and appetite loss. More severe symptoms may include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, pale skin, and kidney failure.

E. coli infection symptoms will begin one to 10 days after being infected with the bacterium. Once symptoms appear, they will last about five to 10 days.

17. Gallstones

Gallstones are small, solid pieces of matter found in the gallbladder—a small organ below the liver that stores a green-yellow digestive liquid called bile. Most gallstones form due to excess cholesterol in the bile.

Gallstones can lead to pain in the upper-right abdomen, especially when you eat high-fat or fried foods. The pain will last about a few hours.

Other gallstone symptoms will include stomach pain, right shoulder pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burping, indigestion, clay-colored stools, and dark urine.

18. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful disorder where tissue from the uterus attaches to other organs. The disorder most often involves the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the tissue lining of the pelvis. In rare cases, the tissue may travel outside the pelvic organs, such as to the bladder or lungs.

Endometriosis symptoms vary, with some women having mild symptoms and others experiencing moderate to severe symptoms.

Common endometriosis symptoms include lower abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, pain after sex, infertility, pain with bowel movements, and lower back pain that occurs during menstruation.

19. Hernia

A hernia happens when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or fatty tissue. For instance, the intestines may break through a weak area of the abdominal wall.

Hernias are most common in the abdomen, but they also occur in the groin, belly button, and upper thigh areas. Most hernias are not immediately life-threatening; however, they will not go away on their own and may require surgery to prevent severe complications.

A bulge or lump in the affected area is the most common hernia symptom. Other common symptoms include lower abdominal pain, weakness or pressure in the abdomen, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, acid reflux and gurgling, burning, or aching sensation at the bulge.

20. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by microorganisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope. E. coli is the primary bacteria responsible for UTIs, which are also caused by some fungi and viruses.

UTI symptoms will depend on what part of the urinary tract has been infected.

Lower UTIs affect the bladder and urethra, and symptoms include pelvic pain in women, burning with urination, increased urgency and frequency of urination, urine with a strong odor, and rectal pain in men.

Upper UTIs affect the kidneys, and symptoms include upper back or abdominal pain, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

21. Appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix that often occurs more frequently in men than women, and in those between the ages of 10 and 30.

The condition can be acute or chronic, and if left untreated, appendicitis can cause the appendix to burst and lead to an infection. This is a serious problem that is sometimes fatal.

The most common appendicitis symptoms include lower-right abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, belly button pain, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, a fever, and the inability to pass gas. Appendicitis pain may also begin after mild cramping.

Although the condition won’t affect bowel habits, it can sometimes affect urination.

22. Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is chronic inflammation of the colon. The condition is closely associated with inflammation of the intestines—also called Crohn’s disease. Together, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are often known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In patients with ulcerative colitis, ulcers and inflammation of the colon’s inner lining will lead to abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea. Other symptoms of ulcerative colitis include rectal pain, bloody stools, increased abdominal sounds, a fever, weight loss, and malnutrition.

Ulcerative colitis may also lead to joint pain and swelling, skin problems, nausea, reduced appetite, eye inflammation, and mouth sores.

23. Ectopic Pregnancy

In a healthy pregnancy, the fertilized egg will travel to the uterus and attach itself. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg will not connect to the uterus, and instead attaches to the abdominal cavity, cervix, or fallopian tube.

About one in every 50 pregnancies are ectopic pregnancies. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can be a serious medical emergency.

Breast soreness and nausea are common symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. Other symptoms include rectal pressure; dizziness or fainting; light to heavy vaginal spotting or bleeding; severe one-sided abdominal pain; and sharp waves of pain in the pelvis, shoulder, neck, or abdomen.

24. Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is chronic inflammation of the intestines. It can affect any part of the GI tract, but it is more common at the end of the small intestine, called the ileum, where it connects with the colon.

The condition is closely associated with chronic colon inflammation. As noted, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are together called inflammatory bowel disease.

Crohn’s disease symptoms include abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, blood in stools, a need for frequent bowel movements, a fever, fatigue, appetite loss, weight loss, nausea, gas, malaise, headaches, anemia, and mouth and anal sores.

Crohn’s disease symptoms will often develop gradually, and some may worsen over time.

25. Peritonitis

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum—a thin layer of tissue that covers the inside of the abdominal cavity and most of the organs connected to the abdomen. The inflammation is often due to an infection from fungi or bacteria that enter through a hole or a leakage in the bowels or intestines.

The condition can be caused by an underlying medical problem, an abdominal injury, or a treatment device like a feeding tube or dialysis catheter.

Widespread abdominal pain and tenderness is due to a build-up of bodily fluids, blood, and pus in the abdomen, which causes swelling and bloating.

Other common symptoms include fatigue, a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, diarrhea, constipation, shortness of breath, excessive thirst, swelling in the legs, and failure to tolerate drinking fluids due to reduced urination and edema.

If you’re on peritoneal dialysis, the dialysis fluid may have clumps or white flecks, or appear cloudy. You may also feel pain or see redness around the catheter.

26. Giardiasis

Giardiasis is an infection found in the small intestine. The cause is a parasite called Giardia lamblia. The infection will spread through contact with infected individuals, and by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food.

Some people will have giardia parasites without any symptoms, and generally giardiasis will show up a week or two after being exposed.

Common giardiasis symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, cramps, diarrhea, greasy stools, excessive gas, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, appetite loss, weight loss, and headaches.

27. Hookworm Infection

A hookworm is a parasitic infection that is contracted in humans through hookworm larvae found in feces-contaminated dirt. Hookworms will affect your skin, lungs, and small intestines.

Hookworm infections rarely happen in the U.S., and they often develop nations in the subtropics and tropics due to poor sanitation. If you are otherwise healthy, you may not show any symptoms.

When you experience hookworm symptoms, they often begin with a small rash and itchiness. As the hookworm grows in your intestine, other symptoms will include diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, appetite loss, blood in the stool, and a fever.

28. Amebiasis

Another abdominal pain and bloating cause is a parasitic infection of the intestines called amebiasis. Amebiasis is caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) that often enters the body when a person ingests cysts through water or food or has direct contact with fecal water.

This parasitic infection is common in tropical countries with poor sanitation, especially in parts of Africa, South and Central America, and the Indian subcontinent.

Symptoms tend to appear one to four weeks after ingestion of the parasite; however, only around 10% to 20% of people with amebiasis actually get sick from it.

Symptoms will include abdominal pain, cramping, and loose stools. The cyst will also get lodged in the GI tract where it releases an active parasite called a trophozoite. Once these trophozoites breach the intestinal walls, they can enter the blood and travel to other internal organs like the lungs, heart, liver, or brain.

As a result, amebiasis can cause bloody stools, severe stomach cramping, infections, abscesses, and even death.

29. Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is also called gastric cancer. It is a difficult cancer to diagnose because most people often don’t present symptoms early in the cancer. Therefore, stomach cancer will go undiagnosed until it spreads to other body parts and is also difficult to treat.

Some of the more common advanced stomach cancer symptoms include constant abdominal pain and bloating, appetite loss, bloody stools, jaundice, excessive fatigue, frequent heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and feeling full after only eating small amounts of food. Stomach pain may also worsen after eating meals.

30. Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer will develop in various parts of the ovaries—reproductive organs located on both sides of the uterus and around the lower abdomen.

The cancer will begin in the ovary’s stromal, germ, or epithelial cells. Epithelial cells are the ovary’s outer layer, stromal cells make the substance of the ovary, and germ cells become eggs.

About 50% of all ovarian cancer cases affect women over age 63.

Early-stage ovarian cancer may not show symptoms. But some sudden symptoms may include frequent bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain or discomfort, difficulty eating, quickly feeling full when eating, and a frequent and urgent need to urinate.

If you have these symptoms for more than two weeks, you should seek medical help immediately. Other ovarian cancer symptoms may include weight loss, weight gain, constipation, indigestion, lower back pain, fatigue, vaginal bleeding, and a change in the menstrual cycle.

31. Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that disturbs normal function of epithelial cells—cells that line organ passageways that include the liver, kidneys, lungs, and pancreas.

People with cystic fibrosis have a defective gene that impairs epithelial cell function and causes severe damage to the digestive and respiratory systems.

Cystic fibrosis symptoms will depend on the person, condition severity, and organs affected. When digestive organs are affected, symptoms will include abdominal pain, appetite loss, constipation, nausea, foul-smelling stools, and delayed growth and poor weight gain in children.

When the lungs are affected, other symptoms will include wheezing, shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and recurrent lung infections.

32. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is sometimes simply called lymphoma. This cancer of the lymphatic system is the seventh most common cancer in the U.S., with over 66,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

Lymphoma happens when tumors develop from lymphocytes—a type of white blood cell.

The main symptoms associated with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include abdominal pain and bloating, coughing, chest pain, fatigue, a fever, difficulty breathing, night sweats, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. Always contact your doctor when these symptoms are persistent.

When to See a Doctor

When a bloated stomach and abdominal pain happen due to a serious issue, you are likely to experience a number of other severe symptoms, including uncontrolled diarrhea, blood in your stool or vomit, uncontrolled vomiting, loss of consciousness, and no bowel movements for up to three days.

It is also a good idea to consult your doctor if you experience abdominal pain and bloating after nearly every meal you eat, or with nausea, painful bowel movements, painful sex, unexplained weight loss, a high fever, and worsening heartburn.

If your doctor performs a physical exam, they may suspect a medical condition is the cause of your abdominal pain or bloating. Your doctor may then run certain medical tests based on the exam results and your medical history.

Some of the most common tests for bloating and abdominal pain include a urine test to check for UTIs or other urinary tract disorders; stool analysis to check for abnormalities that can indicate a digestive problem; a complete blood count to detect blood loss or rule out infections; and an imaging test like an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) scan, a plain film X-ray, or fluoroscopic imaging.

How to Treat Bloating and Abdominal Pain Naturally

The treatment of chronic bloating and abdominal pain will often depend on the underlying cause. Let’s take a look at several ways to treat abdominal pain and bloating naturally.

1. A Healthy Diet

Diet plays a major part in treating abdominal pain and bloating. Rather than three large meals, it is better to consume five or six smaller meals each day.
The diet should be high in fiber and also rich in vegetables, fruit, seeds, nuts, and legumes. It should also avoid dairy products, sugar and sweetened snacks, refined grains, carbonated drinks, coffee and other caffeine sources, and artificial sweeteners.
Also, practice proper eating habits like eating slowly and chewing your food well, never lying down directly after eating, and waiting a minimum of three hours after dinner before going to sleep.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria in the digestive tract that help kill bad bacteria that can trigger digestive problems. A high-potency probiotic supplement is a good idea; however, you can also acquire probiotics from foods like sauerkraut; kimchi; natto; miso; kombucha; coconut kefir; kefir; and yogurt cultured from the milk of grass-fed animals like A2 cows, goats, or sheep.

3. Stay Hydrated

In order to help the fiber in the diet do its job, you should also aim to consume enough water and other healthy liquids to beat abdominal bloating.
Try to consume at least six to eight glasses of water daily. You can also try infusing your water with fruits like lemon, lime, and berries, or vegetables like cucumber.
Other fluids to keep you hydrated include bone broth; vegetable and fruit juices; aloe vera juice; and herbal teas like ginger, fennel, chamomile, licorice, or peppermint tea.

4. Exercise

Being active will help you maintain optimal digestive function by helping to fight constipation and keeping lymphatic fluid moving throughout the body.
Try to get at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. However, be aware that overtraining can cause the body to become stressed, which releases more of the stress hormone known as cortisol.

5. Reduce Stress

Anxiety and stress can have a major impact on digestion. This is because the brain and gut communicate very closely via the gut-brain connection.
The brain triggers the enteric nervous system to produce enzymes, secretions, and saliva to help with digestion. High amounts of stress can increase cortisol levels, and this can alter blood sugar levels and sometimes cause constipation, fluid storage, and excessive hunger.
The solution is to lower stress through practicing mindful eating, meditation, prayer, yoga, tai chi, and qigong, and listening to music and spending more in nature.

6. Take Certain Supplements

It is helpful to take a full-spectrum digestive enzyme at the beginning of a meal to help with abdominal pain and bloating. Bloating and abdominal pain may also be relieved by betaine hydrochloride, skullcap, Atractylodes macrocephala, slippery elm, artichoke extract, milk thistle, and essential oils like ginger oil or peppermint oil.

Final Thoughts on Bloating and Abdominal Pain

The main cause of abdominal pain and bloating is thought to be gas, especially when you eat a meal or drink too quickly. The cause of bloated stomach abdominal pain is mostly related to digestion problems, which will include digestive disorders, food sensitivities or intolerances, bowel obstruction, and parasitic infection.

Other causes of abdominal bloating can include pregnancy and other hormonal changes, and cancers like ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Now that you know the potential causes of abdominal bloating, you can do something about your painful problem. The natural treatment of abdominal pain and bloating is very much related to a proper diet and lifestyle adjustments like getting exercise and reducing stress.