Bloating: Causes & UK Online Doctor Guide
Educational information — not medical advice.
This article was prepared by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and reviewed for factual accuracy against UK clinical guidance (NHS and NICE). It is not written by a doctor and does not replace personal medical advice. For symptoms specific to you, book an online doctor consultation.
Key points
- Bloating is common and usually benign.
- Common causes: IBS, lactose intolerance, coeliac, swallowed air.
- Persistent bloating in women over 50 needs urgent investigation (ovarian cancer).
- Diet diary and trial elimination diets help identify triggers.
- An online GP can arrange testing.
Common causes
- IBS — most common cause.
- Lactose intolerance.
- Coeliac disease — needs blood test before going gluten-free.
- Constipation.
- Swallowed air (eating fast, gum, fizzy drinks).
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
What to try
- Eat slowly, smaller meals.
- Reduce fizzy drinks, gum, beans.
- Trial low-FODMAP diet (with dietitian).
- Coeliac blood test before any gluten-free trial.
- Daily exercise.
Red flags — when to seek urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent bloating in women over 50 (urgent — possible ovarian cancer)
- Weight loss
- Change in bowel habit
- Anaemia
- Family history of bowel/ovarian cancer
Frequently asked questions
Common questions UK patients ask about bloating.
How an online doctor can help
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This article is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice from a qualified doctor. Content is reviewed against UK NHS and NICE guidance by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and is not authored by a medical doctor. If your symptoms worsen or you are unsure, please book a consultation with a GMC-registered GP.
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