Find out how to reduce or avoid gas and gas pains, and when you may need to see your doctor.
Passing gas is natural and common. Excessive belching or gas, accompanied by bloating, pain or swelling of the abdomen (distention), can occasionally interfere with daily activities or cause embarrassment. But these signs and symptoms usually don't point to a serious underlying condition and are often reduced with simple lifestyle changes.
Flatulence: Gas buildup in the intestines
Gas in the small intestine or colon is typically caused by the digestion or fermentation of undigested food by bacteria found in the bowel. Gas can also form when your digestive system doesn't completely break down certain components in foods, such as gluten, found in most grains, or the sugar in dairy products and fruit.
Other sources of intestinal gas may include:
Food residue in your colon
A change in the bacteria in the small intestine
Poor absorption of carbohydrates, which can upset the balance of helpful bacteria in your digestive system
Constipation, since the longer food waste remains in your colon, the more time it has to ferment
A digestive disorder, such as lactose or fructose intolerance or celiac disease
To prevent excess gas, it may help to:
Eat and drink slowly. Taking your time can help you swallow less air. Try to make meals relaxed occasions; eating when you're stressed or on the run increases the air you swallow.
Avoid carbonated drinks and beer. They release carbon dioxide gas.
Skip the gum and hard candy. When you chew gum or suck on hard candy, you swallow more often than normal. Part of what you're swallowing is air.
Don't smoke. When you inhale smoke, you also inhale and swallow air.
Check your dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can cause you to swallow excess air when you eat and drink.
Get moving. It may help to take a short walk after eating.
Treat heartburn. For occasional, mild heartburn, over-the-counter antacids or other remedies may be helpful.
Eliminate certain foods. Common gas-causing offenders include beans, peas, lentils, cabbage, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, whole-grain foods, mushrooms, certain fruits, and beer and other carbonated drinks. Try removing one food at a time to see if your gas improves.
Read labels. If dairy products seem to be a problem, you may have some degree of lactose intolerance. Pay attention to what you eat and try low-lactose or lactose-free varieties. Certain indigestible carbohydrates found in sugar-free foods and gum(sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol) also may result in increased gas.
Eat fewer fatty foods. Fat slows digestion, giving food more time to ferment.
Temporarily cut back on high-fiber foods. Fiber has many benefits, but many high-fiber foods are also great gas producers. After a break, slowly add fiber back to your diet.
Try an over-the-counter remedy. Some products such as Lactaid or Dairy Ease can help digest lactose. Products containing simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas, others) haven't been proved to be helpful, but many people feel that these products work.
Bloating: Common but incompletely understood
Bloating is a sensation of having a full stomach. Distension is a visible or measurable increase in abdominal size. People often describe abdominal symptoms as bloating, especially if those symptoms don't seem to be relieved by belching, passing gas or having a bowel movement.
The exact connection between intestinal gas and bloating is not fully understood. Many people with bloating symptoms don't have any more gas in the intestine than do other people. Many people, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome or anxiety, may have a greater sensitivity to abdominal symptoms and intestinal gas, rather than an excess amount.
Nonetheless, bloating may be relieved by the behavioural changes that reduce belching, or the dietary changes that reduce flatus.
When to see your doctor
Excessive belching, passing gas and bloating often resolve on their own or with simple changes. If these are the only symptoms you have, they rarely represent any serious underlying condition.
Consult your doctor if your symptoms don't improve with simple changes, particularly if you also notice:
Diarrhea
Persistent or severe abdominal pain
Bloody stools
Changes in the color or frequency of stools
Unintended weight loss or weight gain
Chest discomfort
Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
These signs and symptoms could signal an underlying digestive condition. Intestinal symptoms can be embarrassing — but don't let embarrassment keep you from seeking help.