- Eat slowly and avoid large meals at once
- Cut back on carbonated drinks
- Exercise regularly
- Sleep well and manage stress
- Avoid habits that increase intestinal air, such as chewing gum and smoking
- Specialty: Gastroenterology
- Physician: Nelson Cathcart Jr., gastroenterologist specializing in stomach and intestinal diseases
- Eat slowly and avoid large meals at once
- Cut back on carbonated drinks
- Exercise regularly
- Sleep well and manage stress
- Avoid habits that increase intestinal air, such as chewing gum and smoking
- Specialty: Gastroenterology
- Physician: Nelson Cathcart Jr., gastroenterologist specializing in stomach and intestinal diseases
Event Info
A gastroenterologist warns that persistent abdominal bloating can point to anything from food intolerances to cancer — and demands prompt medical investigation.
Feeling bloated is so common that most people brush it off as normal. But persistent abdominal distension may be a serious warning sign. Gastroenterologist Nelson Cathcart Jr. is clear: feeling bloated every single day is not normal.
“Feeling bloated every day is not normal. When the distension lasts more than a month or comes with weight loss, blood in the stool, anemia, or persistent changes in bowel habits, immediate investigation is necessary.”
Nelson Cathcart Jr., gastroenterologist
What causes abdominal bloating
According to the stomach and intestine specialist, the causes are wide-ranging. The most common involve food intolerances — not just lactose, but also fructose and fructans, carbohydrates found in various vegetables and grains.
Functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and constipation are also frequent culprits. The list goes on to include gut dysbioses like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and IMO (Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth), gluten-related disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases, and gynecological conditions such as endometriosis and ovarian tumors.
“A simple infection can alter the gut microbiota and cause bloating — but we may also be dealing with diseases like colon, rectal, liver, or peritoneal cancer. That is why clinical context is essential.”
Nelson Cathcart Jr., gastroenterologist
Breath tests and other diagnostic tools
To support diagnosis, the doctor highlights the value of breath tests — modern, non-invasive exams capable of identifying food intolerances and dysbioses. The devices detect gases produced in the intestine and exhaled through the lungs, evaluating fermentation and absorption of substances like lactose, fructose, and fructans.
“Breath tests are safe and accurate tools. They help differentiate intolerances from bacterial overgrowth — conditions that are often confused with each other.”
Nelson Cathcart Jr., gastroenterologist
Depending on the case, additional exams may be required: endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, particularly when structural, inflammatory, or tumor-related diseases are suspected.
Prevention and everyday habits
Diet and daily habits directly influence the condition. Bloating can stem from excessive fermentation, water retention in the intestine, or slow digestion. Even so, the specialist strongly advises against cutting out foods on your own.
“Before eliminating foods on your own — which can actually delay the diagnosis of important conditions — it is essential to get a proper evaluation. The ideal is to seek medical guidance.”
Nelson Cathcart Jr., gastroenterologist
The gastroenterologist recommends the following measures to reduce bloating episodes:
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