What Causes Extra Gas In The Stomach

What Medical Conditions Are Related To Excessive Gassy Stomachs

Most of the time, excessive gas is a normal part of our digestive system and medical assistance is not always necessary. On the other hand, if you have already tried at-home remedies and the gas is constant, there may be an underlying health reason and you should seek care from a healthcare provider. Some health conditions contributing to excessive gas may include the following:

• Chronic intestinal disease

Lemon And Baking Soda Ease Digestion

Baking soda contains flavonoids that aid digestion by neutralizing the excess stomach acid. However, it is important to use it in moderation, as excessive baking soda can render the stomach acids ineffective.

How to use:

Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of lime juice in a cup of water and consume.

Note: This remedy is not scientifically proven but has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of gas.

Gas Bloating And Belching: Approach To Evaluation And Management

JOHN M. WILKINSON, MD ELIZABETH W. COZINE, MD and CONOR G. LOFTUS, MD, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota

Am Fam Physician. 2019 Mar 1 99:301-309.

Patient information: See related handout on gas, bloating, and belching, written by the authors of this article.

Patients with symptoms of gas, bloating, and belching often consult family physicians, particularly when milder chronic symptoms of abdominal pain or altered bowel habits acutely flare up and become less tolerable. Most often, these symptoms are attributable to one or more of the functional gastrointestinal disorders , including functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome , and chronic idiopathic constipation.

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What Is New In Intestinal Gas Research

One study has shed additional light on the role of intestinal gas and the way in which it causes symptoms. Investigators studied 30 patients whose primary complaint was flatulence and 20 healthy people without issues related to gas.

The researchers studied the patients’ and controls’ production of gas and symptoms on their normal diet, during and following a standard meal, and during and following a meal that contained foods known to cause more gas . During the basal period on their usual diet, not surprisingly, the patients had more symptoms than the controls and evacuated gas more often than controls . Interestingly, however, the patients and controls produced the same total volume of gas while on the standard meal. This would suggest that the patients were NOT producing more gas than the controls. Two explanations for these observations would be:

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What Is Flatulence Or Intestinal Gas

• The primary components of gas are 5 odorless gases: nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, and oxygen.
• The characteristic smelly odor is attributed to trace gases such as skatole, indole, and sulfur-containing compounds.
• The flammable character of flatus is caused by hydrogen and methane. The proportions of these gases depend largely on the bacteria that live in the human colon that digest, or ferment, food that has not been absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract before reaching the colon.
• An estimated 30-150 grams of this undigested food reach the colon in the form of carbohydrates every day. But this amount can vary with diet and how well the GI tract is functioning.

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How To Get Rid Of Stomach Gas

Although stomach gas is not life-threatening, it can be extremely embarrassing. Therefore, persons suffering with excessive gas in the stomach can rely on below measures to rid excessive gas buildup.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

You can always rely on apple cider vinegar to treat indigestion and stomach gas. There are many enzymes in ACV responsible for alkalizing your body and promoting better digestion.

Take a glass of warm water and add 2 tsp. of ACV to it. Mix well and leave it for a few minutes to cool to room temperature. Then, drink twice a day. You can use this remedy even when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

2. Ginger

One of the best remedies to deal with stomach gas is to use some ginger. It has antiemetic properties, so it reduces nausea and works amazingly well to help expel intestinal gas. Some studies have also found that ginger may trigger the process of gastric emptying. It also helps soothe the intestinal tract.

Take equal amounts of ground ginger, cardamom, and fennel. Mix well and add a teaspoon of this mixture along with some asafetida to a cup of water. Have it twice a day to relieve indigestion. You can also drink ginger tea or simply chew on raw ginger pieces for relief.

3. Baking Soda and Lemon

Also called sodium bicarbonate, baking soda acts as an antacid and helps expel stomach gas. Combine it with lemon juice to make it even more effective.

4. Cinnamon

5. Fennel

6. Change the Diet

7. Other Remedies

What Are Other Causes Of Excessive Flatulence Or Gas

Certain conditions can result in other foods being poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for increased bacterial activity.

• Malabsorption syndromes can be the result of decreased production of enzymes by the pancreas or problems with the gallbladder or lining of the intestines.
• SIBO is a condition in which there is an increase in the number and/or alteration of the bacterial types in the upper gastrointestinal track that may result in bloating, flatulence, abdominal and/or gas pain discomfort and diarrhea. The syndrome is usually associated with small intestinal motility disorders, and is treated with antibiotics.
• If transit through the colon is slowed down for any reason, bacteria have increased opportunity to ferment remaining material. If a person is constipated or has decreased bowel function for any reason, flatulence can develop.
• Alterations in bowel habits can be a result of the following:
• Poor dietary fiber

If the body does not digest and absorb some carbohydrates in the small intestine because of a shortage or absence of certain enzymes there, this undigested food then passes from the small intestine into the large intestine, where normal, harmless bacteria break down the food, producing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and, in about a third of all people, methane. Eventually these gases exit through the rectum.

Foods that may cause acute and/or chronic constant flatulence or gas include:

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Can Excess Gas Signify A Serious Health Problem

Excessive gas can be the result of harmless habits such as swallowing air, and consuming gassy foods and drinks, amongst others. Passing gas up to 20-23 times a day is considered normal. Unless coupled with serious symptoms, such as blood in stools, weight loss, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or a family history of digestive health issues, gas should not be anything to worry about.

Having said that, excessive gas, when it persists for days without relief, can mean there is an underlying health ailment. Here are a few ailments that can cause excessive gas. However, always remember to consult your doctor about these before you arrive at any conclusions.

How Is Intestinal Gas Managed Or Treated

• Alpha-galactosidase , an enzyme to break down hard-to-digest foods.
• Bismuth subsalicylate for adults with upset stomach and diarrhea.
• Lactase enzymes for lactose intolerance .
• Probiotics to get rid of bad gut bacteria.
• Simethicone to reduce intestinal gas buildup that causes bloating.

Prescription medications may help if you have a motility problem like IBS. Antibiotics can treat bacterial overgrowth in the intestines that cause excess gas and bloating.

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Reduce Fried Or Fatty Foods

Lowering the consumption of fried or fatty foods is a great help in lessening the amount of intestinal gas patients have to deal with each day. Fatty foods can cause embarrassing gas emissions and physical discomfort too. Fatty foods cause gas by delaying the emptying of the stomach, and eating them can cause bloating, extra gas, and pain in the abdominal region. Once an individual has eaten a diet high in fat, they may belch or pass gas more often as their stomach tries to digest the fat in the food.

Some examples of fatty foods are deep-fried foods, French fries, and processed meats like bacon or sausage. Added fat in a diet slows digestion down so much that individuals may also get acid reflux and heartburn when eating these foods. High cholesterol foods work in the same manner as do fried foods to give individuals gas and cause digestive problems.

Treatment For Gas In The Digestive Tract

Specific treatment for gas in the digestive tract will be determined by your doctor based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history

• Extent of the condition

• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

• Expectations for the course of the condition

• Your opinion or preference

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Medical Conditions That Cause Gas

Some medical conditions can increase intestinal gas, gas pains, or bloating including:

• Intestinal diseases chronic intestinal diseases like Crohnâs disease, ulcerative colitis, and diverticulitis can cause excess gas.
• Overgrowth of bacteria A change or increase in small intestine bacteria may cause excess gas, weight loss, or diarrhea.
• Food intolerance some food intolerances can cause excess intestinal gas. This is caused by an inability to properly break down the sugar in dairy products or gluten .
• Constipation It may be difficult to pass gas when experiencing constipation.

What Causes Bloating On The Keto Diet

People following a ketogenic diet often complain of gas retention and a stuffy stomach. This is because the keto diet includes eating a lot of vegetables, of which many are loaded with FODMAPs that are difficult to digest.

FODMAPs stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are a group of carbohydrates notorious for giving belly bloats and flatulence.

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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor

You may want to ask your healthcare provider:

• Could a medical condition be making me gassy?
• What tests can determine the cause of intestinal gas?
• What steps can I take to cut down on intestinal gas?
• What foods or drinks should I avoid?
• Whats the best treatment for my gas symptom?
• How can I tell the difference between gas and something more serious?
• Should I look out for signs of complications?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

While intestinal gas is common, the symptoms belching, flatulence, bloating and stomach discomfort can be embarrassing and even painful. Gas is sometimes a symptom of a more serious health problem. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. The right treatment can ease gas symptoms so you can go about your day in confidence.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/11/2020.

References

What Natural Or Home Remedies Help Relieve Excessive Flatulence Or Gas

Flatulence is most often related to diet, and sometimes to those habits that cause a person to swallow air. One home remedy is to begin to try to remove problem foods from the diet. For many people, this is a trial-and-error procedure on how to relieve and/or prevent excessive gas or flatulence.

Natural and home remedies may or may not cure or eliminate chronic, increased, constant or extreme flatulence . In some people, home remedies may help reduce symptoms. Individuals are encouraged to discuss home remedies and gas symptoms with their health-care professional.

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Feeling Gassy Is It Ever A Cause For Concern

• By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch

Everyone does it, but no one talks about it. No, not that topic the fact that we pass gas every day. In fact, the average person produces between 1/2 and 1 liter of gas daily and passes gas about 10 to 20 times. Annoying? Well, sometimes. Embarrassing? Possibly. But is excess gas ever a cause for concern?

What Are The Symptoms Of Gas

Gas symptoms vary from person to person. Common symptoms of gas in the digestive tract include belching, bloating and distention, and passing gas. Having some gas symptoms is normal, especially during or after meals.

Gas symptoms may be a problem if they occur often, bother you, or affect your daily activities.

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Gas Bloating And Burping

Gas, bloating, and burping are usually harmless and go away without any treatment. If gas, bloating, or burping is making you uncomfortable, take the following steps to help manage your symptoms:

• Increase the amount of fluid you drink, especially water. Avoid carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages.
• Take a medicine that you can buy without a prescription. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
• Activated charcoal tablets, such as vegetable charcoal capsules, may decrease odour from gas. Charcoal is usually taken after meals or at the first sign of gas discomfort.
• Simethicone, such as Gas-X, allows gas to be belched away more easily. But these medicines often have no effect on gas that is already in the intestines. Be careful when you take over-the-counter antacid medicines. Many of these medicines have aspirin in them. Read the label to make sure that you are not taking more than the recommended dose. Too much aspirin can be harmful.
• Food enzymes, such as Beano, which help break down the sugars found in vegetables and grains, can be added to foods that cause you to have gas.

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What Causes Wind Gas And Bloating

Everybody has gas-related symptoms from time to time. In most cases, this is part of the natural working of the body and the symptoms soon pass. Some people complain they are feeling bloated all the time. As mentioned above, people are occasionally sensitive to normal amounts of gas in the tummy. The reasons for this are not entirely clear.

There are some conditions associated with larger than normal amounts of gas in the tummy:

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Surprising Causes Of Excessive Gas

Bloating and intestinal gas are familiar to everyone — but it’s a good bet that not all sources of gas are. Find out where that gas could be coming from.

Under normal circumstances, a person produces up to four pints of gas a day, and passes gas up to 20 times a day. How is that possible, you say, if those people arent always eating foods like beans, cabbage, and broccoli?

The answer is because excess gas can be made in myriad ways. Thats why up to 20 percent of the population complains about having excessive gas that causes frequent belching and flatulence.

Upper Intestinal Gas

One of the most common sources of upper intestinal gas is swallowed air. The medical term for swallowed air is aerophagia. Swallowed air contains nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. Too much swallowed air can lead to bloating and belching. Here are some ways that air gets inside you:

• Eating or drinking too fast
• Drinking through a straw

Being stressed can also cause bloating. People tend to swallow a lot more air when they are nervous.

Another unusual cause of bloating is continuous positive airway pressure therapy machines. CPAP is one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine forces air into the throat during sleep, and some of this air goes into the stomach. If you have bloating and you use CPAP, talk to your sleep specialist. In many cases, bloating can be avoided by changing the settings on the machine.

Lower Intestinal Gas

Stomach and Intestinal Problems

Can Shingles Affect The Gastro Intestinal Tract

Can shingles affect the gastro intestinal tract? Since a bout of shingles in Dec. 2017, I have experienced lack of hunger, queasy stomach and sometimes stomach pain when ingesting food. When food has been taken, bowels become erratic and sometimes with spontaneous movements. Movements sometimes occur two or three times a day tho little food is eaten. Sometimes bowels appear to contain micous. Movements occur with little or no normal indicators such as stomach growling or gas passing. Occurences sometimes by just standin from a sitting position with no prior need to excrete felt before standing.

Age: 58

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Excessive Belching And Symptoms Of Cancer

Most of the time, belching is not a sign of cancer. However, excessive burping that occurs with other symptoms can be signs of certain cancers, including gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

If youre belching a lot, there are other symptoms to watch for that could be a sign of a more serious health condition, including:

• Discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel
• Feeling full after eating only a small meal
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Vomiting, with or without blood
• Swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is an increase in the number of bacteria or a change in the type of bacteria in your small intestine. These bacteria can produce extra gas and may also cause diarrhea and weight loss. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is most often a complication of other health conditions.

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What Causes Internal Shingles

The varicella zoster virus causes shingles. Its the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a bout of chickenpox, the virus becomes dormant in the body and settles in certain nerves and tissue of the nervous system. Later in life, the virus can reactivate and present itself as shingles. Shingles typically appears on the skin along the nerve path where it had been previously dormant. If the reactivation of the virus becomes severe, it can affect not only the skin but other organs too. This is what is called systemic or internal shingles.