Bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits are common. They're also your gut telling you something. Understanding what might be behind them is a good place to start.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ken Brown, Gastroenterologist · Updated October 2026 · Sources
Bloating is the feeling: pressure, fullness or trapped gas. Distension is what you can see: your belly measurably getting bigger, often as the day goes on.¹
You can have one without the other. Knowing which you have can help your healthcare provider work out what's going on.
Usually it's more than one thing at once.
Gut microbes break down certain carbohydrates and make gas along the way. Changes in fermentation can add to discomfort.
When stool moves slowly, fullness and bloating become more noticeable.
Some people feel normal amounts of gas or stretching more strongly. This is especially common in IBS.
Trouble digesting carbohydrates like lactose or fructose can lead to gas and bloating.
The coordinated movement of food, gas and stool affects how your gut feels. When that rhythm changes, symptoms can follow.
IBS-C is IBS where constipation is the main bowel pattern, often along with abdominal pain, bloating and a feeling of fullness.
But IBS-C isn't simply a problem with bowel movements. It can involve the way your gut moves, senses pressure and communicates with your nervous system.
IBS can involve several overlapping processes: altered gut movement, a more sensitive gut and changes in microbial activity.2 Together, they can cause bloating even without unusually high gas production.
When bloating comes with constipation and recurring abdominal pain, IBS-C may be one possible explanation.
What works depends on the cause. These are common starting points to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Track what you eat, when you go and when bloating hits. Patterns are easier to spot on paper.
Some people do better limiting certain fermentable carbohydrates, ideally with a dietitian's guidance.
Enough fluids, soluble fibre and regular activity can help if constipation is part of the picture.
Eating quickly and swallowing air can add to the feeling of fullness.
Occasional bloating is normal. Bloating that's persistent, getting worse or comes with other changes deserves a conversation with your provider.
Talk to your healthcare provider promptly if you notice:
Developed by gastroenterologist Dr. Ken Brown, Atrantil combines three plant-derived ingredients: polyphenol-rich Quebracho Colorado, Horse Chestnut and Peppermint Leaf.
Licensed by Health Canada to help relieve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) such as bloating and constipation.
IBS isn't the only explanation for bloating and digestive discomfort. Several other conditions share similar symptoms.
Distension often builds through the day as you eat and as gas and stool move through. It usually eases overnight.¹
Yes. Because the gut and brain are closely linked, stress can affect how your gut moves and how sensitive it feels.²
Only after talking to your provider. Cutting gluten before testing can hide celiac disease, and removing foods unnecessarily can make your diet harder to balance.³
Results vary by strain and person. Atrantil works differently: it doesn't add live bacteria.
This page is for education and isn't a substitute for advice from your healthcare provider.
Lacy BE, Cangemi D, Vazquez-Roque M. Management of chronic abdominal distension and bloating. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;19(2):219–231. PubMed ↗
Lacy BE, Mearin F, Chang L, et al. Bowel disorders (Rome IV). Gastroenterology. 2016;150(6):1393–1407. PubMed ↗
Moayyedi P, Andrews CN, MacQueen G, et al. Canadian Association of Gastroenterology clinical practice guideline for the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). J Can Assoc Gastroenterol. 2019;2(1):6–29. Free full text (PMC) ↗
