From the Guidelines
Treatment of bloating typically involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and pharmacological interventions.
Key Recommendations
- For patients with mild to moderate bloating, dietary modifications such as eating regular meals, avoiding missing meals, drinking at least 8 cups of fluid per day, and restricting tea and coffee to 3 cups per day may be beneficial 1.
- Lifestyle changes including regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep may also help alleviate bloating symptoms 1.
- In cases of bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pharmacological interventions such as lubiprostone (8-24 mcg, 2 times daily) for 4-6 weeks or linaclotide (290 μg once a day) may be considered 1.
- Probiotics are not recommended for bloating, as there is insufficient data supporting their use for this condition 1.
- Central neuromodulators such as antidepressants may be effective in reducing visceral sensations and improving bloating symptoms 1.
Additional Considerations
- Anorectal biofeedback therapy may be helpful in reducing bloating symptoms in patients with dyssynergic defecation 1.
- Brain-gut behavioral therapies such as hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other modalities may also be beneficial in alleviating bloating symptoms 1.
- Gut-related medications that treat constipation, such as secretagogues and 5-HT4 agonists, may help bloating symptoms in patients with IBS-C 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Use for the relief of pressure and bloating commonly referred to as gas To treat bloating, simethicone (PO) can be used for relief of pressure and bloating.
- The recommended treatment is simethicone (PO). 2
From the Research
Treatment Options for Bloating
- Medical treatment with prokinetics, rifaximin, lubiprostone, and linaclotide may be considered in the treatment of bloating 3
- Dietary intervention is important in relieving symptoms in patients with bloating 3
- A low-FODMAP diet, antimicrobial botanical therapy, and homeopathic medicine may be beneficial in treating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and associated symptoms, including bloating 4
- Dietary modifications, such as increasing fiber intake, may help alleviate bloating symptoms, but excessive fiber supplementation can worsen symptoms 5
- Antispasmodics and antidiarrheal agents may be effective in managing bloating and abdominal pain 5
- Non-pharmacological measures, such as dietary modifications, increasing physical activity, and psychological therapy, are initial management options for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which often includes bloating as a symptom 6
- Pharmacological management of IBS, including medications for constipation-predominant or diarrhea-predominant IBS, may also help alleviate bloating symptoms 6
- Therapeutic options for abdominal bloating and distension include dietary changes, probiotics, antibiotics, prokinetic agents, antispasmodics, neuromodulators, and biofeedback 7
Dietary Changes
- A low-FODMAP diet may be beneficial in reducing bloating symptoms 4
- Increasing fiber intake may help alleviate bloating symptoms, but excessive fiber supplementation can worsen symptoms 5
- Dietary modifications, such as avoiding trigger foods, may help manage bloating symptoms 7
Pharmacological Options
- Prokinetics, rifaximin, lubiprostone, and linaclotide may be considered in the treatment of bloating 3
- Antispasmodics and antidiarrheal agents may be effective in managing bloating and abdominal pain 5
- Medications for constipation-predominant or diarrhea-predominant IBS may also help alleviate bloating symptoms 6
- Probiotics, antibiotics, and neuromodulators may be used to treat abdominal bloating and distension 7