[3] Bloating can affect anyone of any age range and is usually self-diagnosed, in most cases does not require serious medical attention or treatment.
[6] The first step for the management is to find a treatment for the underlying causes that produce it through a detailed medical history and a physical examination.
Hiccups are harmless and will diminish on their own; they also help to release gas that is in the digestive tract before it moves down to the intestines and causes bloating.
[9] There are many causes of bloating, including: diet, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, reflux, and constipation.
[10][11][12][13] Specific medical conditions like Crohn's disease or bowel obstruction can also contribute to the amount of stomach bloating experienced.
Every person produces gases in their body during the digestion of food, such as methane, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.
[medical citation needed] Gas occurs because of the bacteria in the colon and is a by-product of soluble fiber digestion.
Inadequate or irregular intake of fiber and water will cause a person to experience bloating or constipation.
[citation needed] Flatulence, or farting, provides relief of much the same kind as burping, but involves the passage of gas from the body via the anus, not the mouth.
A common gastrointestinal problem is constipation—infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, or strain during the movements—which causes serious cases of bloating.
[31] Some cases of constipation will continue to worsen and require unconventional methods to release the feces and reduce the amount of stomach bloating.
Heavy meals, lying down or bending over after eating should be avoided to help prevent reflux from occurring.
Postmortem bloating occurs in cadavers, due to the formation of gases by bacterial action and putrefaction of the internal tissues of the abdomen and the inside of the intestines.
[34] Conditions that are related to bloating include constipation, lactose intolerance, and acid reflux disease.
These causes include unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, low amount of exercise, and overall health.