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What Causes Painful Bloating?

Painful bloating is caused by excess gas caught in the intestine and is very common. It can be caused by eating certain foods or the way you eat your food. According to The Cleveland Clinic, most people produce about 1 to 3 pints a day and pass gas about 14 times a day. This becomes a problem when gas becomes trapped, excess gas is produced or when there is oversensitivity to that gas.

  1. Certain Foods

    • Some vegetables cause the production of gas in the digestive tract. These are broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and corn and potatoes. They contain raffinose, which is difficult for the stomach to digest. When the stomach cannot completely digest foods, bacteria in the large intestine break down the food, producing hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane.

    Medical Causes

    • Painful bloating can be caused by lactose intolerance. If you cannot digest dairy products, avoid them, eat lactose-free products or take a lactase enzyme supplement. Wheat intolerance is fairly common; sufferers should avoid eating bread, wheat pasta and wheat cereal. Irritable bowel syndrome causes over-sensitivity to normal amounts of gas, causing painful bloating and abnormal bowel movements. IBS sufferers can take anti-gas medications, such as imipramine. Functional dyspepsia is caused by an increased sensitivity to air in the upper intestines. Those who have celiac disease cannot digest wheat, which can cause excess gas production.

    Other Causes

    • Swallowing air while you eat can cause bloating; so can drinking with a straw or smoking. Eat slowly and chew your food well. Also, chewing gum and eating hard candy can cause excess air to be ingested. Carbonated drinks can also cause bloating because they contain gas bubbles.

    What You Can Do

    • Over-the-counter anti-gas medication may help. Try using a hot pad or having a hot bath. Regular exercising may alleviate the bloating. If you need to see a doctor, he may do a lactose intolerance test, a blood test for celiac disease and an X-ray of the small intestine. The doctor may also order an upper endoscopy and check your stools for blood or high levels of fat.

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