Gas and Gas pains

Description

Gas in the digestive system is part of the normal process of digestion. Get rid of excess gas, either by burping or passing gas (flatus), also is normal. Gas pain may occur if gas is trapped or not moving well through your digestive system.

An increase in gas or gas pain may result from eating foods that are more likely to produce gas. Often, relatively simple changes in eating habits can lessen bothersome gas.

Certain disorders of the digestive system, such as irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease, can cause, in addition to other signs and symptoms of an increase in gas or gas pain.

Symptoms

Signs or symptoms of gas or gas pains include:

  • Belching
  • The passage of gas
  • Pain, cramps or a knotted feeling in your abdomen
  • A feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (distention)
  • Observed an increase in the size of your abdomen (distention)

Burping is normal, especially during or immediately after a meal. Most people pass gas up to 20 times a day. Therefore, despite having gas can be uncomfortable or embarrassing, burping and passing gas are rarely a sign of a medical problem.

When to see a doctor

Talk with your doctor if the gas or gas pains are so persistent or severe that they interfere with your ability to function well in daily life. Gas or gas pains accompanied by other signs or symptoms that may indicate more serious conditions. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these signs or symptoms:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Change in the consistency of stools
  • The change in the frequency of bowel movements
  • Weight loss
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Persistent or recurrent nausea or vomiting

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Prolonged abdominal pain
  • Pain in the chest

Causes

Gas in the stomach is primarily caused by swallowing air when eating or drinking. Most stomach gas is released when you burp.

The Gas is formed in the large intestine (colon) when bacteria ferment carbohydrates — fiber, some starches and some sugars — that are not digested in the small intestine. The bacteria also consume a portion of that gas, but the rest of the gas is released when you pass gas from her anus.

The most common foods that cause gas

Certain foods rich in fiber can cause gas, including:

  • Beans and peas (legumes)
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Whole grains

While high-fiber foods increase the production of gas, the fiber is essential for keeping the digestive tract in good working order and the regulation of blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Other dietary factors

Other dietary factors that may contribute to the increase of gas in the digestive system include the following:

  • Carbonated drinks, such as soda and beer, the rise of stomach, gas.
  • Eating habits, such as eating too fast, drinking through a straw, chewing gum, sucking hard candy or talking while chewing results in swallow more air.
  • Fiber supplements containing psyllium, such as Metamucil, may increase colon gas.
  • Sugar substitutes, artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol, found in some sugar-free foods and beverages can cause an excess of colon gas.

Medical conditions

Medical conditions that may increase intestinal gas, abdominal bloating or gas pain, which include the following:

  • Chronic intestinal disease. The excess gas is often a symptom of chronic intestinal conditions, such as diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
  • Bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine. An increase or change in the bacteria in the small intestine can cause excess gas, diarrhea, and weight loss.
  • Food intolerances. Gas or bloating may occur if your digestive system cannot break down and absorb certain foods, such as the sugar in dairy products (lactose) or proteins such as gluten in wheat and other grains.
  • The constipation. Constipation can make it difficult to pass the gas.

Gas and Gas pains

Diagnosis

It is likely that your doctor determine the cause of your gas and pain based on:

  • Your medical history
  • A review of your eating habits
  • A physical exam

During the physical exam, your doctor can touch your abdomen to determine if there is any tenderness and if something feels abnormal. Listen to the sound of your abdomen with a stethoscope can help your doctor determine how well your digestive tract is working.

Depending on your examination and the presence of other signs and symptoms such as weight loss, blood in the stool or diarrhea, your doctor may order other diagnostic tests.

Treatment

If the gas pains are caused by another health problem, the treatment of the underlying condition may provide relief. Otherwise, upset, gas is usually treated with dietary measures, lifestyle modifications, or over-the-counter medications. Although the solution is not the same for all, with a little trial and error, most people are able to find some relief.

Diet

Changes in the diet can help reduce the amount of gas that is produced in the body or help gas to move more quickly through your system. Keep a journal of your diet and the symptoms of gas will help you and your doctor to determine the best options for making changes in your diet. You may need to remove some items, or eating smaller portions of others.

The reduction or elimination of the following factors of the diet can improve the symptoms of gas:

  • High-fiber foods. Fiber-rich foods that can cause gas include beans, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, artichokes, asparagus, pears, apples, peaches, prunes, raisins, wheat flour and bran. You can experiment with the foods affect the most. You can avoid food high in fiber for a couple of weeks and slowly add them back. Talk with your doctor to make sure that you maintain a healthy intake of dietary fiber.
  • Dairy. The reduction of dairy products from your diet can reduce the symptoms. You can also try the products of lactose-free milk or drinking dairy products supplemented with lactase to help with the digestion.
  • Sugar substitutes. Eliminate, or reduce sugar substitutes, or try another substitute.
  • Fried or fatty foods. The fat of the diet delays in the release of gas in the intestines. Cuts in fried or fatty foods may reduce the symptoms.
  • Carbonated drinks. To avoid or reduce the intake of carbonated drinks.
  • Fiber supplements. If you use a fiber supplement, talk with your doctor about the amount and type of supplement that is best for you.
  • Water. To help prevent constipation, drink water with meals, throughout the day and with fiber supplements.

Over-the-counter remedies

The following products can reduce the symptoms of gas for some people:

  • Alpha-galactosidase (Beano, BeanAssist, others) helps to break down the carbohydrates in beans and other vegetables. Take the supplement before eating a meal.
  • Supplements of lactase (Lactaid, Digest Dairy products, in Addition, other) help you to digest the sugar in dairy products (lactose). These reduce the symptoms of gas if you're lactose intolerant. Talk with your doctor before you use lactase supplements if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
  • Simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas Minis, others) helps to break up the gas bubbles and can help the gas to pass through your digestive tract. There is little clinical evidence of its effectiveness in providing relief from the symptoms of gas.
  • Activated charcoal (Actidose-Aqua, CharcoCaps, other) before and after a meal may help reduce symptoms, but research has not shown a clear benefit. Also, it can interfere with the body's ability to absorb the medication. The charcoal can stain the inside of his mouth, and his clothes.

Self-care

Making lifestyle changes may help reduce or relieve excessive gas and pain.

  • Try smaller portions. Many of the foods that may cause gas are part of a healthy diet. Try to eat smaller portions of food problem to see if your body can handle a smaller portion without creating excess gas.
  • Eat slowly, chewing food well and do not drink. If you have a hard time slowing down, putting the fork down between each bite.
  • Avoid chewing gum, sucking hard candy, and drinking through a straw. These activities can cause you to swallow more air.
  • Check your dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can cause you to swallow excess air when you eat and drink. See your dentist if you do not fit properly.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking cigarettes can increase the amount of air you swallow. Talk with your doctor if you need help to stop smoking.
  • Exercise. Regular exercise reduces the risk of constipation, which can prevent the release of gas from the colon.

If the odor of gas is concerned, limit foods that are high in sulfur-containing compounds — such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, beer, and foods that are high in protein can reduce the hallmark of bad smells. Cushions, underwear, and cushions, which contain carbon can also help to absorb unpleasant odors from passing gas.

Preparing for your appointment

Before you see your doctor, be prepared to answer the following questions:

  • How much time have you noticed an increase in gas or gas pain?
  • Does the pain go away or get better when I burp or pass gas?
  • How many times you pass gas each day?
  • Do certain foods seem to trigger your symptoms?
  • Have you added any new foods or drinks to your diet recently?
  • What medications or dietary supplements that you are taking?
  • Do you have nausea or vomiting with their gas pains?
  • You've lost weight unintentionally?
  • Has had a change in your bowel habits?
  • Do you drink sodas or other carbonated beverages?
  • Eat foods with sugar substitutes?
  • Do you frequently chew gum, sucking hard candy, or drink through a straw?

What you can do in the meantime

Keep a journal of what you eat and drink, how many times a day that passes gas, and other symptoms of the experience. Bring the diary with you to your appointment. You can help your doctor determine if there is a connection between the gas or gas pains and your diet.

Symptoms and treatment of Gas and Gas pains