Bloating Specialist
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ML Gastroenterology
Maria Lufrano, DO
Gastroenterology located in Bronxville, NY
Bloating is a common and uncomfortable symptom that makes your belly feel full and tight. You may feel bloated on occasion if you eat too fast or too much, but if this symptom is a regular problem, it may be a sign of an underlying digestive issue. At ML Gastroenterology in Bronxville, New York, Maria Lufrano, DO, specializes in finding the underlying cause of bloating. To get help with your abdominal discomfort, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Bloating Q & A
What is bloating?
Bloating is a symptom that causes abdominal distention, abdominal pain, and feelings of fullness in your belly. Your symptoms may be mild or severe, and go away quickly or be a recurring problem.
What causes bloating?
Excess abdominal gas is the most common cause of bloating. When you eat too fast or talk while you eat, you may swallow too much air, resulting in an increase in abdominal gas.
Food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, may also cause an increase in gastrointestinal gas production, which causes bloating.
Your bloating may also be a symptom of a gastrointestinal problem such as:
- Constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Food intolerances or sensitivities
- Food allergies
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Leaky gut
- Bowel obstruction
- Ascites ― fluid retention in the abdominal area from liver disease
- Celiac disease
Women often experience bloating in relation to their menstrual cycle. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during your cycle may speed up or slow down your digestive tract, causing an increase in gas production. Hormones also increase fluid retention.
If your bloating is a recurring problem that interferes with your quality of life, schedule a consultation at ML Gastroenterology.
What can I expect during an evaluation for bloating?
ML Gastroenterology specializes in finding the root cause of common gastrointestinal symptoms. The board-certified gastroenterologist performs a thorough exam when you come in with concerns about bloating so you can get relief from your discomfort.
Your provider asks detailed questions about your bloating and when it occurs. They perform a physical exam and may run diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a cause. Testing may include bloodwork, urinalysis, or stool testing.
ML Gastroenterology also performs endoscopy or colonoscopy procedures to evaluate your digestive tract.
How is bloating treated?
Treatment for bloating depends on the underlying cause. However, the experts at ML Gastroenterology take a conservative and integrative approach to care and utilize alternative therapies when appropriate.
Initial treatment for your bloating may focus on nutrition. Depending on the cause of your bloating, your provider may recommend increasing fluid and fiber intake to improve digestion.
Your provider may also suggest avoiding certain foods if you have food intolerances or sensitivities. Probiotics may also be recommended.
Bloating can be a sign that you have a digestive problem. To get help, call ML Gastroenterology, or schedule an appointment online today.
