Causes and treatments for a full stomach

Many factors could account for a full stomach, including the below.

Eating habits

The way a person eats can contribute to feeling uncomfortably full after meals. Examples include overeating, eating too quickly, or eating while stressed.

Certain foods are also more likely to cause bloating after meals, which can make someone feel full if they eat a lot of them. These include foods that are high in fiber, such as beans, onions, and cabbage. Carbonated drinks may also increase fullness.

If eating habits or certain foods cause stomach fullness, a person may find this symptom improves when they adjust their diet or behavior. A person can remedy this by:

• eating smaller portions
• eating slowly and mindfully
• stopping eating when satisfied
• drinking enough fluids
• exercising regularly
• avoiding acidic foods and other foods or drinks that trigger bloating, such as beans, carbonated beverages, or fried foods that contain saturated and trans fats
• avoiding consuming excessive salt

Indigestion

Indigestion describes a group of symptoms that include:

• pain or burning sensations in the stomach
• feeling full soon after eating
• stomach growling or gurgling
• burping or gas
• bloating
• nausea

Occasional indigestion is very common and may improve with dietary changes. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states some people may find that acidic foods, such as tomatoes or orange juice, trigger indigestion. Other things that may cause indigestion include:

• stress
• smoking
• caffeine
• alcohol
• carbonated drinks
• eating too fast
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Reducing triggers can help prevent indigestion, along with over-the-counter (OTC) antacids. However, frequent indigestion can indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment.

Constipation

Constipation occurs when a person has fewer than three bowel movements per week. This can cause the abdomen to feel full and uncomfortable. An individual with constipation may also have:

• difficult or painful bowel movements
• hard, dry, or lumpy stools
• incomplete bowel movements

Constipation is very common. In mild cases, eating more fiber, drinking enough water, and exercising can help. People can also use OTC remedies, such as stool softeners.

Below are some chronic causes of a bloated stomach.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to symptoms that include bloating and discomfort. According to the NIDDK, people with IBS also experience:

• painful abdominal cramps
• diarrhea, constipation, or both
• incomplete bowel movements

Several factors can cause or contribute to the development of IBS. These include:

• bacterial infections in the digestive tract
• small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, which occurs when gut flora overgrow in the small intestine
• food intolerances and sensitivities
• a history of trauma, anxiety, or depression

IBS treatments may include dietary changes, reducing stress, and treating mental health conditions. Doctors may also prescribe medication to help someone manage their symptoms.

Stomach ulcers

Helicobacter pylori is a species of bacterium that can damage the stomach’s lining,leading to stomach ulcers. Stomach ulcers can also occur due to long-term use of NSAIDs or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare condition that causes tumors to grow in the upper small intestine.

The most common symptom of an ulcer is dull or burning stomach pain. The pain may occur when the stomach is empty, and it may come and go for days, weeks, or even months. Other symptoms of a stomach ulcer include:

• bloating
• burping
• nausea
• vomiting
• lack of appetite
• weight loss

Stomach ulcer treatments vary depending on the cause of the ulcer. Doctors may prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics, antacids, or bismuth subsalicylates.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

If people experience frequent, long-lasting acid reflux or heartburn, they may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). People with GERD experience the following symptoms:

• burning pain in the upper abdomen or chest
• nausea or vomiting
• bad breath
• difficulty swallowing
• respiratory issues
• teeth that are wearing away

GERD has many causes, including increased pressure on the stomach from pregnancy, obesity, a hiatal hernia, smoking, and some medications. Identifying the causes of GERD can help people find ways to feel better. Recommendations include:

• avoiding GERD trigger foods, such as spicy food or alcohol
• eating at least 3 hours before bedtime
• maintaining a moderate weight
• quitting smoking

Doctors may also prescribe medications, such as antacids, H2 blockers, prokinetics, or PPIs.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition that causes a delay in gastric emptying. This means the contents of the stomach do not empty into the small intestine as they usually would, making the stomach feel full. Symptoms include:

• feeling full quickly
• feeling full for a long time after eating
• nausea or vomiting
• bloating
• belching
• upper abdominal pain
• heartburn
• loss of appetite

Treatments for this condition may include:

• gentle exercise, such as walking, after eating
• reducing fat and fiber intake
• eating smaller meals more frequently
• avoiding carbonated and alcoholic drinks
• avoiding lying down 2 hours after eating

Other causes

Other causes of a full, tight stomach include:

• premenstrual syndrome, which can cause bloating
• gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining
• pancreatitis, which causes pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen

Home remedies will not treat certain conditions, including stomach ulcers or gastroparesis — these require medical treatment. People with conditions, such as IBS, may also need help from a dietitian to understand how to manage their condition.

However, some remedies and lifestyle changes may help someone get short-term relief from feeling uncomfortably full. They include:

• reducing stress and anxiety
• exercising more frequently
• avoiding spicy, greasy, or other trigger foods
• eating smaller meals more regularly
• wearing loose clothing
• avoiding lying down for 3 hours after eating

If someone’s stomach feels full, it may feel as though they have eaten too much food. The stomach itself may feel tight, stretched, or uncomfortably heavy.

Depending on the cause, this symptom may occur alongside others, such as:

• a bloated or distended stomach
• abdominal discomfort or pressure
• stomach ache or cramps
• feeling full quickly while eating
• nausea
• heartburn
• belching or gas
• changes in bowel movements

A full, tight stomach could also be due to lifestyle, eating patterns, and diet. In other cases, consistent feelings of fullness or tightness could indicate an underlying medical condition.

Anyone with persistent feelings of fullness or bloating in the stomach should speak with a doctor if possible. It could be a sign of an underlying condition.

Individuals should consult a doctor immediately if they have any severe or persistent symptoms, such as:

• unexplained weight loss
• persistent bloating or feelings of fullness
• unusual changes in bowel movements or urination
• lower back pain
• fever or chills
• blood in stools or urine
• bleeding from the rectum
• persistent abdominal pain or tenderness
• nausea and vomiting
• shortness of breath

These symptoms could indicate a serious condition, such as pancreatitis or cancer.

If a person’s stomach feels full, they may find relief by changing their eating habits and adjusting their diet. When the bloating is a result of indigestion or constipation, OTC products may relieve symptoms.

However, if an individual frequently feels uncomfortably full, and there is no apparent cause, such as eating a large meal, they may have an underlying health condition. A doctor will be able to diagnose the root cause and suggest treatments.

Read this article in Spanish.