Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
Published on: September 22, 2023
Health care seeking for abdominal bloating and visible distention
X Jiang1, G R Locke, A R Zinsmeister
1Department of Internal Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Background:
While knowledge has accumulated regarding health care seeking in several functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), little is known about health care seeking in those with bloating and distention.
Aim:
To identify predictors of health care seeking for bloating and distention.
Methods:
The validated Talley Bowel Disease Questionnaire was mailed to a cohort selected at random from the population of Olmsted County, Minnesota; 2259 subjects (53% females; mean age 62 years) answered questions about bloating and distention. The complete medical record of each respondent was reviewed. Logistic regression was used to compare consulting for bloating and distention with consulting for other GI symptoms, and nonconsulters.
Results:
A total of 131 (6%) subjects in the community consulted a physician for bloating or distention. Older age [odds ratio (OR), 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5, 2.1], higher somatic symptom scores (OR, 2.0; CI: 1.4, 2.8), lower education level (OR, 2.7; CI: 1.2, 5.6), early satiety (OR, 2.0; CI: 1.1, 3.8) and abdominal pain (OR, 2.4; CI: 1.6, 3.7) were associated with people seeking health care for bloating or distention vs. non-consulters. Similarly, older age (OR, 1.4; CI: 1.2, 1.7), chronic constipation (OR, 2.0; CI: 1.2, 3.2) and visible distention (OR, 3.0; CI: 1.8, 4.9) had greater odds of presenting for bloating or distention compared with presenting for other GI symptoms; somatic symptoms were not a predictor (OR, 1.1; CI: 0.8, 1.5).
Conclusions:
Factors that lead people to present for bloating and distention are similar to those for other GI symptoms visits; however, specific biological rather than somatic features may predict visits for bloating and distention.
Related Concept Videos
Pyloric Obstruction
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection.
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
