P2920 - Prevalence and Perception of Post-Prandial Bloating in the U.S. Adult Population: Results From a Nationally Representative Survey

Shaghayegh Khanmohammadi, MD¹, Sepideh Mehravar, MD², Krystyna Houser, ³, Mark Pimentel, MD, FACG⁴, Ruchi Mathur, MD², Ali Rezaie, MD, MSc⁴
1Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Tehran, Iran; 2Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, West Hollywood, CA; 3mBIOTA Elemental, Santa Monica, CA; 4Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

Introduction: Bloating is among the most common gastrointestinal symptoms, yet its burden and perception in the general population remain underexplored. Using a nationally representative U.S. sample, we aimed to characterize the beliefs and behaviors surrounding post-prandial bloating and identify demographic patterns that may influence care-seeking behavior.

Methods: An online anonymous survey of nationally representative US adults aged ≥18 was conducted in March 2025. Respondents answered questions regarding their experience and beliefs about bloating, as well as actions taken or reasons for inaction among those who viewed bloating as a potential health issue. Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between age, gender, and reported perceptions or actions.

Results: Among 2,000 respondents, 22.6% reported experiencing bloating within two hours of eating, with a higher prevalence among females compared to males (27.0% vs 18.1%; odds ratio 1.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.4-2.1). Patients older than 55 reported less bloating as compared to subjects 18-55 years (13.4% vs 28.0%, p< 0.01). Modest but significant differences were seen within four US regions. (Table 1)

The majority of respondents with bloating (51.1%) believed that occasional bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort is normal, 29.7% considered it a sign of a deeper issue, and 19.2% were unsure. Similar proportions of males and females perceived bloating as normal (51.8% vs 50.6%, p=0.6), with no significant regional differences. However, patients older than 55 were significantly less likely to consider bloating normal compared to younger groups (45.3% vs 54.6%, p< 0.01).

Among those who believed such symptoms may indicate a deeper issue (n=594) (75.3% reported they have addressed or would address the symptoms, with comparable rates among males and females (73.8% vs.76.9%, p=0.5).Among those who would not address bloating, the primary barrier was uncertainty about appropriate treatment options (34.7%), followed by time constraints (26.5%). Financial limitations were cited by 23.8%, and 18.4% reported difficulty accessing gastrointestinal specialists. The results were comparable among males and females. (Figure 1)

Discussion: Despite affecting >20% of the US adults, bloating is normalized or ignored in more than half of those affected. More than a quarter of individuals who recognize the potential seriousness of bloating still avoid seeking care. Findings highlight the need for public education and improved symptom recognition.


Figure: Table 1. Baseline demographics of all respondents (n=2,000) and subjects experiencing postprandial bloating (n=451).


Figure: Figure 1. Barriers in patients who believed bloating may indicate a deeper issue but would not seek medical help (n=147). Significant variations in barriers are detected based on age groups and regions.

Disclosures:
Shaghayegh Khanmohammadi indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Sepideh Mehravar indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Krystyna Houser: mBIOTA Elemental – Stock-privately held company.
Mark Pimentel: Ardelyx – Consultant. Gemelli Biotech – Advisory Committee/Board Member, Royalties, Stock-privately held company. GoodLFE – Stock-privately held company. Salvo Health, Cylinder Health – Stock Options.
Ruchi Mathur: Gemelli Biotech – Royalties, Stock-privately held company. goodLFE – Stock-privately held company.
Ali Rezaie: Ardelyx, Blueprint Medicine and Salix Pharmaceuticals – Consultant. Gemelli Biotech, and Good LFE – Equity stake.

Shaghayegh Khanmohammadi, MD¹, Sepideh Mehravar, MD², Krystyna Houser, ³, Mark Pimentel, MD, FACG⁴, Ruchi Mathur, MD², Ali Rezaie, MD, MSc⁴. P2920 - Prevalence and Perception of Post-Prandial Bloating in the U.S. Adult Population: Results From a Nationally Representative Survey, ACG 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Phoenix, AZ: American College of Gastroenterology.