What Causes Stomach Gas And Farting

What To Do For Intestinal Gas

Now that you have a sense of what might be causing you to experience excessive intestinal gas, you can take some steps to address the problem:

Don’t delay your bowel movements. Are you one of those people who ignore the sensations to have a bowel movement until you get home? This might result in gas building up within the intestines, causing pain and bloating. And when you do pass gas, it may be smellier, as it is moving around the stool.

Watch what you eat when you really need to be gas-free. As we said before, intestinal gas is good for us. But for the days when it is extra important that you not be gassy, you can choose foods that are less likely to give you gas, and avoid those that have a reputation for being gassy.

Look into a supplement. There are many over-the-counter supplements to choose from. Ask your pharmacist to guide you to the right one for you. Here are some options:

• Simethicone products

What Causes Funny Noises In The Stomach

Growling, rumbling, or gurgling can come from the stomach or the small intestines . The noises are commonly linked to hunger because theyre typically louder when the stomach or intestines are empty. Without any contents in them, the organs dont muffle noises as well.

For bowel sounds to be heard, the following conditions must occur:

• There must be a muscular contraction of the intestinal wall.
• There must be liquids within the intestines.
• There must be gas within the intestines.

Here are some reasons you might notice peculiar stomach noises:

What Is Excessive Flatulence Or Intestinal Gas

Excessive gas or flatulence is defined by some researchers as passing gas more than 20 times per day. Increased flatulence occurs when a person passes gas more than about 14 times a day and extreme flatulence is ill-defined but occasionally used to describe excessive and/or constant passing of gas and is occasionally related to excessively smelly gas production.

Chronic flatulence is also not well defined but is used to describe excessive flatulence that may occur daily over weeks to years.

Excess gas in the digestive tract can come from two sources: 1) increased intake of gas, for example, from air swallowed or 2) increased production of gas as certain undigested foods are broken down by harmless bacteria normally found in the colon. Undigested foods may also occur in chronic intestinal problems such as chronic megacolon, patients undergoing chemotherapy or in certain infectious diseases such as giardiasis.

Swallowed air

Swallowed air can occur with improper swallowing while eating or even unconscious swallowing of air out of habit.

Lactase intolerance

Another major source of flatulence is lactose intolerance, which results in a decreased ability to digest lactose, a natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products such as cheese and ice cream, and in certain processed food such as bread, cereal, and salad dressing. This flatulence is often associated with diarrhea and cramping but can appear as only gas.

Recommended Reading: How To Lose Stomach Fat Fast For Teenage Girl

How Can I Prevent Intestinal Gas

Most foods containing carbohydrates can cause gas. A food diary can help you determine which foods make you gassy. But dont cut out too many things. Many vegetables, fruits, dairy products, wheat products and beans cause gas, but theyre also very good for you.

To reduce your bodys gas production, you can:

• Chew slowly, and dont talk while eating.
• Cut back on carbonated beverages, chewing gum and hard candies.
• Drink through a straw.

What Are The Treatments For Gas

Gas problems are treated by changing your diet and by training yourself to swallow less air. There are also prescription and over-the-counter medications that can help.

Changing your diet will mean getting rid of the foods that cause gas. Unfortunately, this may also result in you having fewer nutritious foods. Ask your doctor to help you build a diet thatâs healthy but doesn’t cause much gas.

Over-the-counter medications include:

• Antacids — especially those that contain simethicone
• Probiotics — used to help inhibit the growth of bad bacteria and add good bacteria to the digestive tract
• Lactase products such as Lactaid and Dairy Ease — may help people with lactose intolerance
• Beano — contains the enzyme that helps digest sugars in beans and many other vegetables

Your doctor may prescribe drugs to help move food through your digestive system. Medicines that do that may also move gas through quicker.

Also Check: Can Chewing Tobacco Cause Stomach Cancer

When To See A Doctor

If gas only occurs after eating or drinking and resolves on its own or with the help of OTC remedies, you probably dont need to see a doctor.

However, you should see a doctor for severe gas thats persistent or affects your daily routine. Also, see a doctor if other symptoms accompany gas. These symptoms include:

• a change in bowel habits

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

Recommended Reading: What Do You Take For Stomach Ulcers

You’re Not Moving And Hydrating Enough

“Exercise, exercise, exercise,” says Dr. Lee. “Being physically active and physically fit is single-handedly the most effective way to keep your GI motility moving, as people with slower GI motility tend to suffer from constipation and or inefficient/incomplete defecation, which produces methane gas, resulting in excessive flatulence.” Translation: Exercise can help you have healthier, more consistent poops and fart less.

Drinking lots of water also helps. Why? “Water is a magnet to fiber,” says Majumdar. As fiber is digested, it absorbs water, which helps it pass through your digestive tract more easily. This also helps prevent constipation.

The bottom line on why you’re so gassy at night: While gas is a totally normal part of being human, if you’re really gassy in the morning or at night, or are just concerned about the amount of gas you have in general, consider talking to a pro. “No one knows your body better than you,” says Dr. Lee. “If the amount of gas is concerning to you , then you should see a physician for evaluation. Then seeing a dietitian for healthy diet options and choices is always a great idea.”

When To See A Doctor About Excessive Gas

Excessive gas treatment ultimately comes down to trying to figure out whats actually behind all that burping and farting. In the case of a potential food sensitivity or allergy, an underlying gastrointestinal condition, or anxiety, its often helpful to get a doctors input to help you get to the root of your issue, Dr. Farhadi says.

If you feel like your gas is excessive, youve noticed an overall change in your digestive habits, your flatulence comes with other symptoms , or youre anxious about whether or not something is normal, its always worth checking in with a doctor who can help put your mindand your gutat ease. Ditto if it feels like excess gas is interfering with your life, like youre nervous to be in a car or room with someone else over fears that youll accidentally let one fly, Dr. Farhadi says.

Finally, know that gassiness is a normal part of life. Its a good time to remind you that passing gas is healthy, so if your belches and farts arent excessive, this might not be something you need to worry about. Its normal to expel about one to four pints of gas per day! So try to think of any lingering awkwardness as a sign that your digestive processes are humming along. Its important to understand that farting is normal, Dr. Balzora reiterates. But it shouldnt be ignored if youre having other symptoms.

Read Also: How To Alleviate Stomach Pain

Peptic Ulcers Can Cause Gas And Stomach Pain

Peptic ulcers, which can be caused by bacteria, cause a dull or burning pain in the stomach. The pain comes and goes, lasting for minutes or hours and usually can be felt when on an empty stomach. Other symptoms may include vomiting, bloating, gas pain, and weight loss.

Ulcers can form in any part of your digestive tract, but most often occur in the lining of your stomach, esophagus, or the beginning of your small intestine . Though ulcers can be easily treated, they can cause serious and even life-threatening complications if unattended to.

Gas Is A Very Common Symptom Of Pancreatitis

Gas is normal. But flatulence that’s accompanied by swelling in the abdomen, fever, nausea, and vomiting is not. These symptoms can be warning signs of pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas, which assists in the digestive process. Gas is a very common symptom of pancreatitis. A Chinese case study published in April 2019 in the journal Medicine noted that intestinal gas frequently caused pain and bloating in patients with pancreatitis.

Don’t Miss: How To Lose Fat On The Side Of Your Stomach

Common Complaints With Flatulence

• Smelly flatus the gas produced by bacterial fermentation can smell, depending on the food eaten. Suggestions include limiting common culprits such as garlic, onions, spicy foods and beer.
• Excessive flatus this is caused by swallowing air, eating high-fibre foods, lactose intolerance or some digestive disorders. Suggestions include reducing the amount of intestinal gas by making dietary adjustments and seeking medical advice.

Natural And Other Remedies For Gas

Many advertisements tout medications or remedies that reduce gas and bloating. Some have been shown to be of value in clinical studies, others have not yet been proven scientifically but are anecdotally helpful. Before trying anything, you may want to consult with your physician.

Two products on the market can help with food-related gas and bloating. Both products are packaged forms of the enzymes needed to break down the problematic carbohydrates. Lactase, found in products such as Dairy Ease and Lactaid, can be taken with dairy foods to help break down lactose and lessen gas. Beano helps digest the indigestible carbohydrate in beans and other gas-producing vegetables.

Natural remedies for gas include:

Don’t Miss: What Medicine Is Good For Stomach Cramps

Is Your Gas Worse After Eating Foods With Dairy Products

People with lactose intolerance may experience diarrhea, gas, abdominal cramping, bloating and nausea from 30 minutes to several hours after eating food containing lactose. Most symptoms of lactose intolerance can be managed by limiting or avoiding the consumption of products with lactose. Tablets or drops that help manage symptoms are also available, but they may not be recommended for all patients, including small children and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Your doctor can help you determine which dietary changes and treatment options may be best for you.

Does Your Gas Occur After Eating

There are many common foods that may produce gas. These include beans, sodas and other carbonated drinks, sugar substitutes such as sorbitol and other artificial sweeteners, milk and dairy products, cabbage, bran, cauliflower and broccoli. For some people, having gas after eating these foods is perfectly normal. On the other hand, if your gas is particularly bad after eating foods such as these, you may have irritable bowel syndrome.

Also Check: Can Lung Cancer Cause Stomach Problems

Foods To Limit To Reduce Flatulence

• dairy products such as milk, if lactose intolerance is present
• dried fruit raisins and prunes
• fruit apple, apricot, peach and pear
• foods high in insoluble fibre particularly seeds and husks
• legumes beans, peas, chickpeas, soybeans and nuts
• vegetables carrot, eggplant, onion, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

Other Conditions That Cause Gas

Gas is sometimes a symptom of a digestive condition. These include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease. This term describes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract and includes ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain that can mimic gas pains.
• Irritable bowel syndrome . This is a condition that affects the large intestines and causes a variety of symptoms, such as:

• indigestion that feels like gas

Don’t Miss: How To Tighten Stomach After C Section

When Gas Is A Symptom Of Something Else

If excessive gas is persistent or severe, consult your doctor it could be a sign of a more serious digestive condition, such as:

• Lactose intolerance This is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products. I test with a milk challenge, says Bickston. The patient drinks a pint or two of milk it can be any percent fat. What follows tells the patients whether they should limit their milk intake. If avoiding milk reduces your symptoms you may be lactose intolerant.
• Irritable bowel syndrome Patients who meet the diagnostic checklist for irritable bowel syndrome suffer more pain at the lower levels of the abdominal cavity, he says.
• Colon cancer Excess gas is rarely the main symptom of patients with colon cancer, Bickston notes. But it does trigger my reflex to remind patients to get screened for colorectal cancer.
• Upper gastrointestinal disorders Occasional belching is normal, but frequent belching may be a sign of an upper gastrointestinal disorder. These include peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease , or gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying.

Also, warns Bickston, if you’ve had abdominal surgery, a hernia, or significant weight loss or weight gain, never dismiss your gas-like symptoms as normal. Get them checked out.

As annoying as it might be, some gas is a natural by-product of the bodys digestive system. But if your gas is excessive, painful, or chronic, talk to your doctor about possible causes and remedies.

Other Forms Of Food Intolerance And Allergy

Food intolerance occurs when your gut has trouble digesting or absorbing certain types of food or food component.

As a result, the undigested and/or unabsorbed foods remain longer inside your intestines.

Bacteria then consume the stagnant food and produce extra gas .

The more you eat from the offending foods, the more you will get flatulence and other digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and mucus discharge.

Food intolerance is widespread, affecting up to 20% of people %20%20%20Raw%20meat,%20seafood.%20Nuts,%20peanut%20Mustard.%20Rice%20Some%20vegetables%20and%20fruits./” rel=”nofollow”> reference).

Food intolerance is different from food allergy. Food allergy is defined as an allergic reaction to food .

The differences between food intolerance and allergy are explained in the table below.

Flatulence, bloating, and passage of mucus in the stool are persistent symptoms of IBS.

You May Like: How Do Probiotics Help Your Stomach

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.

When To Seek Relief

Most minor fluctuations in gas and bowel habits are normal, but if you experience excessive or persistent gas or bloating, its time to seek medical attention, cautions van der Linden. A little gas is probably healthy, but a lot of gas, that could be a problem, he says.

Talk to your doctor if gas symptoms change suddenly, become severe, begin to interfere with your normal activities or are accompanied by other symptoms. A physical exam, stool tests, blood tests and imaging tests, which may include an endoscopy or colonoscopy, might be performed to help rule out or diagnose an underlying health issue. Your physician will also review your symptoms and family history and may recommend keeping a food journal or eliminating certain foods from your diet.

Dietary changes, such as eating more slowly, not gulping food or drinks and avoiding or limiting certain foods or beverages, can help relieve some uncomfortable symptoms. Adding even small bouts of exercise to your day can help push gas through your system and ease bloating. Stress management techniques, like yoga or meditation, can help keep you from unintentionally swallow air when youre talking, which can happen when you’re upset or nervous.

Also Check: What Can Cause Lower Stomach Pain

What To Know About Flatulence Excessive And Chronic

• Causes of excess gas in the digestive tract include:
• lactase intolerance, and
• malabsorption of certain foods.