Bloating

Your stomach is flat in the morning and swollen by evening. Your pants don't fit after lunch. You've cut out food after food and you're still bloated. Ongoing bloating is common, and it usually has a cause that can be tested and treated.

Gastroenterologist Rajiv Sharma, MD, and our registered dietitians help patients with bloating and gas at Mirage Health in Chandler and Mesa, AZ, serving patients across the East Valley. New patients are seen within 7 days, and no referral is needed.

What causes bloating that won't go away

• Constipation, when stool and gas back up in the colon
• IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), where the gut is more sensitive to normal gas
• SIBO, bacteria in the small intestine that ferment food too early
• Food intolerances, such as lactose, fructose and other FODMAPs
• Celiac disease
• Slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis), including from GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro
• Swallowing air from eating fast, carbonated drinks, gum or straws
• Hormonal changes around your period

The timing is a clue

Bloating that builds through the day and is worst at night often points to SIBO, IBS or constipation. Bloating right after meals with early fullness can point to slow stomach emptying. Bloating that's always there, morning and night, needs a different look. Tell us when yours is worst.

When bloating needs a doctor soon

• Weight loss without trying
• Blood in your stool or black stool
• Vomiting, or not being able to eat much
• New bloating after age 50 that lasts more than a few weeks
• A swollen belly that keeps getting bigger

For women, new and constant bloating can sometimes be a sign of an ovarian problem. If it lasts more than a few weeks, see your doctor or gynecologist too.

How we find the cause

• A review of your diet, medications and bowel habits
• Breath testing for SIBO and food intolerances
• Bloodwork, including celiac testing
• A gastric emptying study if food seems to sit in your stomach
• An upper endoscopy or colonoscopy when symptoms call for it

Treatment

Treat the cause

Treating constipation, SIBO or IBS often clears the bloating. Medication and diet changes are matched to what testing shows.

A smarter diet with our dietitians

Cutting out more and more foods often makes things worse. Our registered dietitians use a structured plan, such as a short low-FODMAP trial, then add foods back to find your real triggers. Dietitian visits are self-pay.

Habits that help

Eating slower, smaller meals, walking after meals and cutting carbonated drinks can make a real difference.

What your first visit looks like

Bring a list of foods you've already cut out and what happened, plus your medications and supplements. A week-long log of meals, bloating and bowel movements is very helpful.

Serving Chandler, Mesa and the East Valley

Chandler office: 2201 W Fairview St, Suite 5, Chandler, AZ 85224, near the 101 and Chandler Boulevard.

Mesa office: 1910 S Stapley Dr, Suite 120, Mesa, AZ 85204, near the 60.

Patients come to us from Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Sun Lakes, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley and Apache Junction.

Bloating: questions patients ask

Why am I bloated every day?

Daily bloating is most often from constipation, IBS, SIBO or food intolerances. A GI evaluation can tell which one.

Why is my bloating worse at night?

Gas builds through the day as you eat. Bloating that grows by evening is a common pattern in SIBO and IBS.

Can SIBO cause bloating?

Yes. Bloating is one of the main symptoms of SIBO, and a breath test can check for it. See our SIBO page.

What is the low-FODMAP diet?

A short-term diet that removes certain fermentable carbs, then adds them back one at a time to find your triggers. It works best with a dietitian.

Do probiotics help bloating?

They help some people and make others worse, especially with SIBO. Ask us before starting one.

Can GLP-1 medications cause bloating?

Yes. Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound slow the stomach, which can cause bloating and sulfur burps. See our GLP-1 side effects page.

When is bloating serious?

See a doctor promptly if bloating comes with weight loss, bleeding, vomiting or a belly that keeps getting bigger.

Do you see patients from across the East Valley?

Yes. Our Chandler and Mesa offices see patients from Gilbert, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Sun Lakes, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Apache Junction and the rest of the East Valley. Procedures are done at centers in Chandler, Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly. Some HMO and Medicare Advantage plans require one, so we'll check your plan.

Bloated for months and told everything looks fine?

Get tested and get a plan. Serving Chandler, Mesa and the East Valley. Book online or call 480-210-3155.