Symptoms and diagnosis of functional bloating

Functional bloating is commonly defined as feeling bloated for at least 1 day per week for 3 months in a rowRome Foundation Inc., 2016. Patients often describe the symptoms of bloating as a sensation of gassiness, fullness or pressure occurring anywhere in the abdomen (ie epigastric, middle, lower or generalised)Lacy, 2021.

Bloating is more common in females, and is often more marked before a menstrual period. It is not associated with a change in bowel habit, though bloating can occur as part of irritable bowel syndrome or functional constipation.

The diagnosis of functional bloating is usually based on the patient’s symptoms and requires minimal investigation. It is important to check for clinical features that warrant further investigation (see Clinical features that warrant further investigation of gastrointestinal symptoms).