Gas and gas pains

Overview

Gas in your digestive symptom is part of the typical process of digestion. Getting rid of excess gas, either by burping or passing gas, called flatus, also is a typical bodily function. Gas pain can happen if gas is trapped or not moving well through your digestive system.

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

Certain digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease, may cause an increase in gas or gas pain.

When to see a doctor

Talk to a healthcare professional if your gas or gas pains won't go away or are severe enough to interfere with your ability to function well in daily life. Gas or gas pains accompanied by other symptoms may mean more-serious conditions. See your healthcare professional if you have any of these additional symptoms:

• Bloody stools.
• Change in consistency of stools.
• Change in frequency of bowel movements.
• Weight loss.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Ongoing or recurrent nausea or vomiting.

Seek immediate care if you experience:

• Prolonged stomach pain.
• Chest pain.

Risk factors

Eating foods that cause gas

Certain high-fiber foods may cause gas, including:

• Beans and peas, called legumes.
• Fruits.
• Vegetables.
• Whole grains.

While high-fiber foods increase gas production, fiber is essential for keeping your digestive tract in good working order. It also helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Other dietary factors

Other dietary factors that can contribute to increased gas in the digestive system include:

• Carbonated beverages, such as soda and beer, increase stomach gas.
• Eating habits, such as eating too quickly, drinking through a straw, chewing gum, sucking on candies or talking while chewing results in swallowing more air.
• Fiber supplements containing psyllium, such as Metamucil, may increase colon gas.
• Sugar substitutes, or artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol, found in some sugar-free foods and beverages may cause excess colon gas.

Medical conditions

Medical conditions that may increase intestinal gas, bloating or gas pain include:

• Intestinal conditions. Excess gas is often a symptom of ongoing intestinal conditions, such as celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome or gastroparesis.
• Small bowel bacterial overgrowth. 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 happen if your digestive system can't break down and absorb certain foods. Examples include the sugar in dairy products, called lactose, or proteins, such as gluten in wheat and other grains.
• Constipation. Constipation may make it difficult to pass gas.

Treatment

If your gas pains are caused by another health problem, treating the underlying condition may offer relief. Otherwise, bothersome gas is usually treated with dietary measures, lifestyle modifications or nonprescription medicines. Although the solution isn't the same for everyone, with a little trial and error, most people are able to find some relief.

Diet

Dietary changes may help reduce the amount of gas your body produces or help gas move more quickly through your system. Keeping a diary of your diet and gas symptoms will help you and your healthcare team determine the best options for changes in your diet. You may need to eliminate some items or eat smaller portions of others.

Reducing or eliminating the following dietary factors may improve gas symptoms:

• High-fiber foods. High-fiber foods that can cause gas include beans, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, artichokes, asparagus, pears, apples, peaches, prunes, whole wheat and bran. You can experiment with which foods affect you most. You may avoid high-fiber foods for a couple of weeks and gradually add them back. Talk to your care team to ensure you're getting enough dietary fiber.
• Dairy. Reducing dairy products from your diet can lessen symptoms. You also may try dairy products that are lactose-free or take milk products supplemented with lactase to help with digestion.
• Sugar substitutes. Eliminate or reduce sugar substitutes or try a different substitute.
• Fried or fatty foods. Dietary fat delays the clearance of gas from the intestines. Cutting back on fried or fatty foods may reduce symptoms.
• Carbonated beverages. Avoid or reduce your intake of carbonated beverages.
• Fiber supplements. If you use a fiber supplement, talk to your care team about the amount and type of supplement that is best for you.
• Water. To help prevent constipation, drink water with your meals, throughout the day and with fiber supplements.

Nonprescription remedies

The following products may reduce gas symptoms for some people:

• Alpha-galactosidase (Beano, BeanAssist, others) helps break down carbohydrates in beans and other vegetables. You take the supplement just before eating a meal.
• Lactase supplements (Lactaid, Digest Dairy Plus, others) help you digest the sugar in dairy products (lactose). These reduce gas symptoms if you're lactose intolerant. Talk to your healthcare team before using lactase supplements if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas Minis, others) helps break up the bubbles in gas and may help gas pass through your digestive tract. There is little clinical evidence of its effectiveness in relieving gas symptoms.
• Activated charcoal (Actidose-Aqua, CharcoCaps, others) taken before and after a meal may reduce symptoms, but research has not shown a clear benefit. Also, it may interfere with your body's ability to absorb medicines. Charcoal may stain the inside of your mouth and your clothing.
• Peppermint oil. Studies show peppermint oil may relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and have a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Preparing for your appointment

Before you see your healthcare professional be prepared to answer the following questions:

• How long have you noticed an increase in gas or gas pains?
• Does the pain go away or get better when you belch or pass gas?
• How many times do 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 do you take?
• Do you have nausea or vomiting with your gas pains?
• Have you lost weight unintentionally?
• Have you had a change in your bowel habits?
• Do you drink sodas or other carbonated beverages?
• Do you eat food with sugar substitutes?
• Do you frequently chew gum, suck on candies 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 you pass gas, and any other symptoms you experience. Bring the journal to your appointment. It can help your healthcare professional determine whether there's a connection between your gas or gas pains and your diet.