There are many causes for abdominal bloating and shortness of breath. Some of these may include obesity, COPD, and hyperventilation.
Abdominal bloating occurs when the abdomen feels tight or full. This may cause the area to appear visually larger. The abdomen may feel hard or tight to the touch and can cause discomfort and pain.
Shortness of breath refers to the feeling that you can’t catch your breath and that you are not taking in enough air. If it continues for long periods, it can cause feelings of faintness and panic.
If bloating or shortness of breath is severe, you should seek immediate medical treatment.
Abdominal bloating typically occurs due to the buildup of gas, fluids, or food in the stomach. It’s more common in people who experience gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Abdominal bloating can affect the diaphragm, a muscular partition between the chest and abdomen. The diaphragm assists in breathing, which means bloating can lead to shortness of breath. This happens if the pressure in the abdomen is enough to restrict the movement of the diaphragm.
Being short of breath can cause you to take small, short breaths. This can lead to swallowing air, which is known as aerophagia.
Conditions that can result in both abdominal bloating and shortness of breath include:
- anxiety
- panic attacks
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- pneumonia
- asthma attacks
- IBS
- celiac disease
- lactose intolerance
- constipation
- bowel blockage
- gastroparesis
If bloating or shortness of breath is severe, you should seek immediate medical treatment.
Remember that the above list is not exhaustive but contains some of the more common conditions that may cause shortness of breath and abdominal pain.
Most abdominal bloating should resolve itself with time when the excess gases, liquids, or food can move through the stomach and intestines. However, if your abdominal bloating and shortness of breath last longer than a day, you should seek medical attention.
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You should also seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms along with shortness of breath and abdominal bloating:
- chest pain
- choking
- confusion
- dark, bloody, or tarry-looking stools
- uncontrollable vomiting or vomiting that does not cease after 1 day
- loss of control over bladder or bowel movements
- severe abdominal pain
- any worsening symptoms
Medical treatments for abdominal bloating and shortness of breath typically address the underlying condition. For example, over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help resolve abdominal bloating. For certain conditions, bronchodilators can help to open the airways and improve breathing.
Treatment at home
Drinking more water may help reduce abdominal bloating symptoms. Walking also helps relieve gas, but this may not be possible if you’re experiencing shortness of breath.
If anxiety is causing your symptoms, it may be helpful to try techniques such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation.
Taking OTC medications to reduce gas, such as simethicone drops, digestive enzymes, and activated charcoal, may help with abdominal bloating.
If you regularly experience abdominal bloating and shortness of breath, it may be helpful to:
- Avoid foods such as beans, dairy products, and cruciferous vegetables.
- Avoid carbonated beverages.
- Refrain from smoking if you do smoke.
There are many causes for abdominal bloating and shortness of breath, such as obesity, COPD, and hyperventilation.
Most abdominal bloating should resolve itself with time when the excess gases, liquids, or food can move through the stomach and intestines. However, if your abdominal bloating and shortness of breath last longer than a day, you should seek medical attention.
If bloating or shortness of breath is severe, you should seek immediate medical treatment.