What causes upper belly bloating after eating?
Explore the diagnosis and treatment options for this condition.
What causes upper belly bloating after eating?
Explore the diagnosis and treatment options for this condition.
What causes this condition?
Bloating is when your abdomen feels full or swollen and this usually happens after a meal. While overeating may be a factor in bloating, some could experience bloating even after a small meal.
There are several reasons why you may experience upper abdominal bloating after eating. Here are a few of the most common causes.
Gastritis
Gastritis is caused by the inflammation of the linings of the stomach. Aside from abdominal bloating, other symptoms of gastritis may include:
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Indigestion
Gastritis may be either an acute or chronic condition and early diagnosis is recommended, to bring it under control.
Ascites
Ascites is caused when fluid fills up in the empty spaces of your abdominal cavity and puts pressure on the stomach, making the patient feel bloated after a meal. Patients could find movement difficult and ascites could also trigger abdominal infections.
Cirrhosis of the liver is a major cause of ascites and patients are advised to see a gastrointestinal specialist immediately.
Excess fibre
Fibre is good for your digestive system, but eating too much high-fibre food may lead to upper belly bloating after eating.
Bacteria in the gut are very efficient at digesting fibres and breaking them down into useful substances like vitamins and butyrates. This process produces excessive gas, making the patient feel bloated.
Dysbiosis
The gut is full of harmless bacteria that help in the digestion of food. These bacterial colonies may sometimes become imbalanced, with beneficial bacteria starting to decline and other gut bacteria becoming pathogenic, leading to an excessive gas build-up in the gut.
This gas causes upper abdominal bloating which could feel worse after a meal.
Ascites
Ascites is caused when fluid fills up in the empty spaces of your abdominal cavity and puts pressure on the stomach, making the patient feel bloated after a meal. Patients could find movement difficult and ascites could also trigger abdominal infections.
Cirrhosis of the liver is a major cause of ascites and patients are advised to see a gastrointestinal specialist immediately.
Excess fibre
Fibre is good for your digestive system, but eating too much high-fibre food may lead to upper belly bloating after eating.
Bacteria in the gut are very efficient at digesting fibres and breaking them down into useful substances like vitamins and butyrates. This process produces excessive gas, making the patient feel bloated.
Dysbiosis
The gut is full of harmless bacteria that help in the digestion of food. These bacterial colonies may sometimes become imbalanced, with beneficial bacteria starting to decline and other gut bacteria becoming pathogenic, leading to an excessive gas build-up in the gut.
This gas causes upper abdominal bloating which could feel worse after a meal.
Should I visit a gut clinic?
Upper belly bloating after eating may be an uncomfortable yet mild condition that could make it difficult for you to enjoy a meal. However, bloating may be a symptom of a more serious underlying gastrointestinal condition.
Getting in touch with a specialist at a gastrointestinal clinic may help you find out if your abdominal bloating is related to other gastrointestinal conditions.
Visit the Sydney Gut Clinic
The gastrointestinal specialists at the Sydney Gut Clinic are trained and experienced in treating a range of gastrointestinal conditions.
If you are concerned that upper abdominal bloating after eating may be a sign of an underlying health problem, schedule an appointment with our specialists and find out more about your treatment options.
Areas of Expertise
Specialist Consulting
Sydney Gut Clinic comprises a team of highly trained, skilled and experienced gastrointestinal specialists. Our practitioners are carefully selected for their areas of speciality.
Endoscopic Evaluation
The team at Sydney Gut Clinic also specialises in endoscopic evaluation. We undertake investigation, diagnosis, and treatment using procedures like the colonoscopy or endoscopy.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Our expertise also extends to bowel diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD. We recommend specialised treatment strategies that help you manage your symptoms.
Bowel Cancer Screening and FOBT
At Sydney Gut Clinic, we conduct extensive bowel cancer screening, including Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBT) for patients with a history of this condition or are demonstrating the relevant symptoms.
Hepatology
Our hepatology specialists are trained to detect, diagnose and treat common conditions that affect the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They can also assist you with preventative healthcare strategies.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Many of our specialists specialise in IBS and can provide you with guidance on prevention strategies, diet and stress management, as well as holistic treatment.
Intestinal Parasite Treatment
At the Sydney Gut Clinic, we provide you with treatment strategies to address the symptoms you may be experiencing as a result of a parasitic infection in your digestive system..
Colorectal Surgery
Our team of specialists have been trained to perform colorectal surgery to help patients heal from symptoms of medical conditions that affect the colon, rectum or anus. It’s also used as part of cancer treatment.
FAQ
Why does my belly bloat at the top?
Upper belly-bloating may happen due to several reasons, including:
- Swallowed air
- Build up of excess gas
- Food allergies
Is stomach bloating after eating normal?
Upper belly-bloating after eating is usually not a cause for concern. It may be resolved with a change in diet.
How do I get rid of upper stomach pain and bloating?
- Take medications, like bismuth salicylate or antacids.
- Take simethicone pills to help get rid of gas.
- Eat more fibre-rich food items.
- Place a heating pad on your stomach.
What causes your upper abdomen to feel full?
Having too much food or gas in the stomach may cause you to feel full. Medical conditions such as stomach cancer are also known to cause this feeling.
How do I relieve pressure from the upper abdomen?
- Have regular bowel movements
- Avoid wearing restrictive clothing
- Go for short walks
Consult our specialists for the diagnosis and treatment of upper belly bloating after eating
Sydney Gut Clinic services are only available to patients in Australia.