Why Am I Always Bloated? Common Causes of Persistent Bloating

What causes bloating? 

Bloating can feel like fullness, pressure or swelling in the abdomen. Common causes include: 

• Constipation 

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 

• Excess gas 

• Food intolerances 

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) 

• Changes in gut movement 

• Other gastrointestinal conditions 

Eating quickly, drinking fizzy drinks and certain dietary patterns can also contribute. 

Could food be the cause? 

Food can play a role, but identifying the trigger is not always straightforward. Some poorly absorbed carbohydrates can ferment and produce gas, while conditions such as lactose intolerance may also cause bloating. 

Avoiding multiple foods without professional advice can unnecessarily restrict your diet and make the true cause harder to identify. 

When should bloating be investigated? 

Seek medical advice if bloating is frequent, worsening or affecting your daily life – particularly if it occurs with unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, vomiting, rectal bleeding or significant changes in bowel habits. 

How is bloating diagnosed? 

There is no single test for bloating. Depending on your symptoms, a gastroenterologist may recommend blood tests, breath testing, imaging, endoscopy or dietary assessment. 

Intus provides gastroenterology, digestive investigations and dietetic support to help identify and manage the cause of persistent bloating.