Gas and gas pains

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.

Symptoms associated with gas or gas pains include:

• Excessive burping.
• Passing excessive gas.
• Pain, cramps or a knotted feeling in your stomach.
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in your belly, called bloating.
• A noticeable increase in the size of your belly, called distention.

Burping is normal, particularly during or right after a meal. Most people pass gas up to 20 times a day. Therefore, while having gas may be inconvenient or embarrassing, burping and passing gas are rarely by themselves a sign of a medical problem.

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.

Gas in your stomach is usually caused by swallowing air when you eat or drink. Most stomach gas is released when you burp.

Gas forms in your large intestine, called the colon, when bacteria ferment certain foods that aren't digested in your small intestine. Bacteria also consume some of that gas, but the remaining gas is released when you pass gas from your anus.

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.