Why Am I Always Bloated? Common Causes and When to See a Gastroenterologist
"Doctor, I feel bloated almost every single day. I look pregnant by evening, even though I've eaten very little." This is one of the most common complaints I hear in my clinic, and it comes from people of every age and body type — students, homemakers, office-goers, and elderly patients alike. Bloating is that uncomfortable feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdomen, often accompanied by visible distension. Almost everyone experiences it occasionally, usually after a heavy meal or a particularly gassy food. But when bloating becomes a daily, ongoing struggle, it stops being a minor inconvenience and starts affecting your comfort, your confidence, and sometimes your quality of life. As a gastroenterologist, I want to help you understand why bloating happens, what's likely causing yours, and — just as importantly — when it's time to stop guessing and get a proper evaluation. What Exactly Is Bloating? Bloating refers to a subjective sensation of ful...