Gas & Bloating

Overview

Gas and bloating are embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms! When you experience gas and bloating, you probably want relief immediately. Bloating, belching, passing gas, and stomach pain are always inconvenient, no matter where you are or what you are doing.

Gas builds up in your intestines when you swallow air while you eat and digest food. If gas does not pass, you will experience uncomfortable bloating. Bloating can cause an intense or dull pain in your abdomen or chest and can provide hours of discomfort if you cannot relieve the gas by having a bowel movement, flatulence, or belching. Gas is frequently accompanied by a noise or unpleasant odor. With flatulence, sound will depend on a number of factors including water, muscle contractions, and the speed at which the gas is escaping. You might pass gas when you cough or sneeze. Most people can control belching and flatulence with the stomach and rectal muscles.

The primary components of gas are nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Soda-drinkers are likely to have a higher concentration of carbon dioxide in their stomach and intestines. Some foods or partially undigested foods may increase the frequency and severity of gas and bloating. High fiber, fatty, and high carbohydrate foods tend to cause gas. Lactose and sugar intolerance tend to cause gas and bloating as well. Pay attention to the foods that you eat and whether your gas and bloating worsen after you consume milk or dairy products.

When to See a Doctor

Some people worry that they burp or pass gas too frequently. In actuality, people tend to experience flatulence about 20 times per day. Burping is also common, especially around meal times. Do not worry that your gas makes you abnormal.

More serious conditions can cause gas or bloating. Conditions can be related to malnutrition, a problem with your metabolism, or an inability to absorb fat. If you experience symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, loose bowel movements, or light colored stools, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

If your belching or flatulence last for several days, you may be showing more serious stomach and intestinal complications. See a doctor, as you may have a chronic condition, or you may be developing an ulcer in your stomach. Sometimes, heart attack symptoms can mirror pain related to gas and bloating. If you are experiencing extreme pain, having trouble breathing, or feeling tingling or numbness, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. If you have a fever, you might be experiencing a bacterial infection that will require medication. An urgent care or emergency room visit might be necessary for severe or unusual symptoms. If you are feeling uncertain or worried about your gas and bloating, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment

Most of the time, gas and bloating will subside naturally. After a few hours, you may start to see relief. You can also try using an over-the-counter medication to help alleviate your symptoms.

In many situations, you may not need medications. Make sure that you take precautions against gas by avoiding food and behaviors t hat cause problems. Lactose intolerant patients should avoid milk, and others should also be wary when eating foods like beans, broccoli, wheat, and prunes. Other foods might cause gas as well. You can also avoid foods that are high in fat, and you could try to eat smaller meals more frequently. Chew foods slowly and carefully.

For people with chronic gas, a doctor might prescribe an X-ray, ultrasound, or blood test to diagnose potential conditions.

If you have any reservations, concerns, or worries, talk to a doctor as soon as possible. Consult a doctor before beginning any long term or short term treatment plan.