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Bloating

Bloating is where your tummy feels full and uncomfortable. It's very common and there are things you can do to ease it. But see a GP if you feel very bloated, you're often bloated or it does not go away.

Symptoms of bloating

You may be bloated if:

  • your tummy feels full or bigger than usual
  • you have tummy pain or discomfort
  • your tummy is rumbling or making noises
  • you're farting more than usual

Causes of bloating

The most common reason for bloating is having a lot of gas in your gut.

This can be caused by some food and drinks, such as some vegetables and fizzy drinks, or by swallowing air when you eat.

It can also be caused by a problem with your digestion, such as:

Some people feel bloated around the time of their period.

Sometimes, bloating that does not go away can be a sign of something more serious such as ovarian cancer.

How to reduce bloating

Do

  • exercise regularly to improve your digestion and help prevent bloating – exercise can also help when you're feeling bloated

  • chew with your mouth closed to avoid swallowing air

  • drink plenty of water

  • eat foods high in soluble fibre if constipated, such as oats or linseed

  • eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals

  • massage your stomach from right to left to release trapped wind

Don't

  • do not drink lots of fizzy drinks, alcohol or caffeine in coffee and tea

  • do not eat lots of foods that are known to cause gas, like cabbage, beans or lentils

  • do not eat large meals late at night before bed or slouch when eating

  • do not eat lots of processed, sugary, spicy or fatty foods

  • do not eat food you are intolerant to, if you have a food intolerance

A pharmacist can help with bloating

You can ask a pharmacist about:

  • laxatives to help treat constipation
  • medicines like simeticone to help ease the bloating
Find a pharmacy

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you feel bloated regularly
  • you've tried changing your diet but keep feeling bloated
  • you have bloating and unintentional weight loss
  • you have bloating and also have blood in your poo

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:

  • you have bloating with vomiting (being sick), diarrhoea or constipation
  • you have bloating with a stomach ache
  • you have a high temperature (fever), or feel hot, cold or shivery
  • you have a swelling or lump in your tummy
  • you cannot pee, poo or fart
  • you have a burning feeling in your chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards your throat (acid reflux)

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You have bloating with a swollen stomach and:

  • you have a stomach ache that is severe and came on very suddenly
  • you're vomiting blood or your vomit looks like ground coffee
  • you have severe difficulty breathing – you're gasping, choking or not able to get words out
Find your nearest A&E
Information:

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Treatment for bloating

Treatment for bloating is often not needed. If you need treatment it will depend on the cause.

A GP may:

  • refer you to an NHS dietitian if general diet tips, such as cutting down on foods that trigger bloating, are not helping
  • refer you to a specialist for tests to find out what may be causing your bloating

Page last reviewed: 21 January 2026
Next review due: 21 January 2029