Bloating, distention, and gas are common symptoms among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), affecting 82.5% of participants in a study of 337 patients with IBS. The prevalence of bloating symptoms was higher in women (87.4%) and those with constipation-predominant (88.7%) or mixed IBS (88.8%) compared to diarrhea-predominant IBS (72.3%). These symptoms were rated as the second most bothersome after abdominal cramping and were a key reason for seeking medical care. Bloating symptoms were linked to decreased quality of life, with patients reporting lower energy, food intake, and physical functioning. Additionally, bloating was associated with increased healthcare utilization and frequent use of anti-gas medications.

The study’s findings underscore the high prevalence and significant impact of bloating in IBS, with gender and IBS subtype influencing symptom severity. Patients with bloating sought medical care more frequently and had lower scores in several quality of life domains, including energy and food intake. Although this study focused on bloating in patients with IBS, it also acknowledged that bloating symptoms could stem from nonfunctional conditions, such as small bowel bacterial overgrowth or celiac disease. Further research is needed to explore treatments for bloating symptoms in IBS and their potential to improve patients’ overall well-being and reduce healthcare costs.

Reference: Ringel Y, Williams RE, Kalilani L, et al. Prevalence, characteristics, and impact of bloating symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2009 Jan;7(1):68-72; quiz 3. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2008.07.008. PMID: 19124113.