What causes stomach bloating and gas. How to get rid of bloating quickly. Which lifestyle changes can prevent bloating long-term. What are the most effective remedies for gas and bloating.

Understanding Stomach Bloating and Gas

Abdominal bloating is a common condition characterized by a full, tight feeling in the stomach. It often results from a buildup of gas in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing the belly to appear larger than usual and potentially feel tender or painful. Fluid retention can also contribute to bloating.

Bloating typically occurs when excess gas accumulates in the stomach or intestines. While it often resolves on its own after a meal, there are ways to expedite relief. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective management.

Common Triggers for Bloating

• Digestive issues (constipation, food allergies, intolerances)
• Dietary factors (fizzy drinks, excessive salt or sugar, insufficient fiber)
• Hormonal changes (menstrual cycle-related)

Quick Relief Techniques for Bloating

When bloating strikes, several home remedies can provide fast relief. Here are some effective strategies to alleviate discomfort:

1. Take a Walk

Physical activity stimulates bowel movements, helping to release excess gas and stool. A brief walk around the block can offer quick relief from gas pressure, especially beneficial for those experiencing constipation.

2. Practice Yoga Poses

Certain yoga positions can encourage the release of trapped gas from the GI tract. Child’s Pose, Happy Baby Pose, and squats are particularly effective in reducing bloating by positioning abdominal muscles strategically.

3. Use Peppermint Capsules

Peppermint oil capsules can aid in relieving indigestion and related gas. They work by relaxing intestinal muscles, facilitating the movement of gas and stool. While often marketed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, they can benefit anyone experiencing bloating. However, those prone to heartburn should exercise caution.

4. Try Gas Relief Capsules

Simethicone-based medications, available in pill or liquid form, can help expel excess air from the digestive tract. It’s crucial to adhere to the dosage instructions on the label for safe and effective use.

5. Perform Abdominal Massage

Massaging the abdomen can stimulate bowel movements and alleviate bloating. A technique that follows the path of the large intestine is particularly beneficial:

1. Place hands just above the right hip bone
2. Rub in a circular motion with light pressure up toward the right ribcage
3. Move straight across the upper belly area toward the left ribcage
4. Slowly move down toward the left hip bone
5. Repeat as needed

If any pain occurs during the massage, discontinue immediately.

6. Utilize Essential Oils

A 2016 study demonstrated the effectiveness of supplements containing fennel and curcumin essential oils in alleviating IBS symptoms, including bloating and abdominal pain. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils, as some formulations may be toxic or interact with medications.

7. Indulge in a Warm Bath

The heat from a warm bath can provide relief for a sore abdomen. Additionally, the relaxation induced by soaking can reduce stress levels, potentially improving GI tract function and reducing bloating.

Long-Term Strategies to Prevent Bloating

While quick fixes can provide temporary relief, addressing the root causes of frequent bloating often requires long-term lifestyle changes. Here are some effective strategies to prevent bloating over time:

1. Gradual Fiber Increase

Increasing fiber intake helps prevent constipation and bloating. However, it’s essential to do so gradually to allow the digestive system to adjust. Most Americans don’t consume enough fiber, with only 5% meeting the recommended daily intake.

2. Mindful Eating Habits

Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly can significantly reduce the amount of air swallowed during meals, thereby decreasing gas formation. Additionally, avoiding talking while eating and refraining from using straws can further minimize air intake.

3. Identify Food Intolerances

Keeping a food diary can help identify specific foods that trigger bloating. Common culprits include dairy products, gluten-containing foods, and certain fruits and vegetables. Once identified, eliminating or reducing these foods can provide relief.

4. Stay Hydrated

Adequate water intake is crucial for maintaining digestive health and preventing constipation, which can lead to bloating. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, adjusting based on activity level and climate.

The Role of Diet in Managing Bloating

Diet plays a significant role in the occurrence and prevention of bloating. Understanding which foods contribute to gas production and which can alleviate symptoms is key to managing this condition effectively.

Foods That May Cause Bloating

• Beans and lentils
• Carbonated beverages
• Dairy products (for those with lactose intolerance)
• Artificial sweeteners
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)

Foods That May Reduce Bloating

• Ginger
• Peppermint
• Pineapple
• Papaya
• Bananas

Incorporating these bloat-reducing foods into your diet while minimizing consumption of gas-producing foods can significantly improve digestive comfort.

Exercise and Physical Activity for Bloating Relief

Regular physical activity is not only beneficial for overall health but can also play a crucial role in managing and preventing bloating. Exercise stimulates the digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements and reducing the likelihood of gas buildup.

Effective Exercises for Bloating Relief

• Brisk walking
• Yoga (especially poses focusing on the core)
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Light jogging

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily to maintain optimal digestive health and reduce the frequency of bloating episodes.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bloating

While occasional bloating is normal and often harmless, persistent or severe bloating may indicate an underlying health issue that requires medical attention. It’s important to recognize when bloating symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare provider.

Signs That Bloating May Be Serious

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Bloating accompanied by fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in stool
• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Nausea or vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms alongside bloating, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Natural Remedies and Supplements for Bloating

In addition to lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments, various natural remedies and supplements can help alleviate bloating symptoms. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Effective Natural Remedies

• Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can improve digestive health and reduce bloating.
• Activated charcoal: May help absorb excess gas in the digestive tract.
• Digestive enzymes: Can aid in breaking down food more efficiently, reducing gas production.
• Herbal teas: Peppermint, ginger, and fennel teas are known for their digestive benefits.
• Apple cider vinegar: May help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes.

While these natural remedies can be effective for many people, individual responses may vary. It’s essential to pay attention to your body’s reactions and adjust your approach accordingly.

The Impact of Stress on Bloating and Digestive Health

Stress can significantly affect digestive function and contribute to bloating. Understanding the connection between stress and bloating can help in developing effective management strategies.

How Stress Affects Digestion

• Alters gut motility
• Increases inflammation in the digestive tract
• Changes in appetite and eating habits
• Disrupts the balance of gut bacteria

Stress-Reduction Techniques for Bloating Relief

• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Time management and prioritization

Implementing these stress-reduction techniques can not only improve overall well-being but also contribute to better digestive health and reduced bloating.

By understanding the causes of bloating, implementing quick relief techniques, and adopting long-term preventive strategies, most people can effectively manage and reduce the occurrence of this common digestive issue. Remember, while occasional bloating is normal, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying health conditions.

Quick tips and long-term relief

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Most people experience bloating at some point. Exercises, supplements, and massages can all help to reduce bloating quickly, and simple lifestyle changes can prevent it from reoccurring.

Abdominal bloating is when the abdomen feels full and tight. It commonly occurs due to a buildup of gas somewhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Bloating causes the belly to look larger than usual, and it may also feel tender or painful. Fluid retention in the body can also lead to bloating.

In this article, we provide techniques for getting rid of bloating quickly and explain how to reduce bloating in the long-term.

Bloating usually happens when excess gas builds up in the stomach or intestines. When bloating occurs right after a meal, it usually resolves itself, but it is often possible to speed up this process.

The best way to tackle bloating is to determine its cause. Common triggers for bloating include:

• Digestive issues. Constipation, food allergies, and intolerances can lead to bloating. When stool becomes backed up in the large bowel, it can cause bloating and a feeling of discomfort. Excess gas may also build up behind the stool, making the bloating worse.
• Diet. Fizzy drinks, too much salt or sugar, and not enough fiber in the diet can all cause bloating.
• Hormonal changes. Many people experience bloating before and during their periods due to hormonal changes and water retention.

Many home remedies can help to manage the pain and discomfort of bloating. The following quick tips may help people to get rid of a bloated belly quickly:

1. Go for a walk

Physical activity can get the bowels moving more regularly, which can help to release excess gas and stool. Getting the bowels to move is especially important if a person is feeling constipated. A walk around the block can provide fast relief from gas pressure.

2. Try yoga poses

Certain yoga poses can position the muscles in the abdomen in a way that encourages the release of excess gas from the GI tract. This can reduce bloating.

Child’s Pose, Happy Baby Pose, and squats can all help people to relieve a buildup of gas quickly. Learn more about yoga poses for flatulence.

3. Use peppermint capsules

Peppermint oil capsules may also be helpful for indigestion and related gas. Manufacturers usually market them as a treatment for the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but people without IBS can also use them to relieve bloating.

Peppermint works by relaxing the intestinal muscles, which allows gas and stool to move along more effectively. People should always follow the instructions on the packet. Anyone who is prone to heartburn may need to avoid peppermint.

Peppermint capsules are available to buy over the counter (OTC) at drug stores or online.

4. Try gas relief capsules

Simethicone pills and liquid are anti-gas medications that can help to move excess air out of the digestive tract. It is essential to always take medication according to the instructions on the label.

People can find gas relievers in drug stores or online.

5. Try abdominal massage

Massaging the abdomen can help to get the bowels moving. A massage that follows the path of the large intestine is especially helpful. People can follow the steps below to do this:

• Placing the hands just above the right hip bone.
• Rubbing in a circular motion with light pressure up toward the right side of the ribcage.
• Rubbing straight across the upper belly area toward the left rib cage.
• Moving slowly down toward the left hip bone.
• Repeating as necessary.

If the massage causes any pain, it is best to discontinue it immediately.

6. Use essential oils

A study from 2016 tested the effectiveness of supplements containing a combination of fennel and curcumin essential oil in 116 people with mild-to-moderate IBS. After 30 days, people reported an improvement in their IBS symptoms, including bloating and abdominal pain.

People should not consume essential oils without speaking to a doctor first. This is because some formulations may be toxic or can interfere with medication, and there is no regulation of dosages.

7. Take a warm bath, soaking, and relaxing

The heat of the bath can provide relief for a sore abdomen. Relaxation can reduce stress levels, which may allow the GI tract to function more effectively and help reduce bloating.

Quick fixes are not always effective for some causes of bloating. However, people who have frequent bloating may find that certain lifestyle changes can tackle the causes and reduce bloating over time.

People can use these simple steps to try to prevent bloating in the long-term:

8. Increase fiber gradually

Eating more fiber helps to prevent constipation and bloating. Most people in America do not get enough fiber, with only 5 percent of people meeting their recommended daily fiber intake of 25 grams (g) for females and 38 g for males.

However, it is important to bear in mind that eating too much fiber or increasing fiber intake too quickly can cause even more gas and bloating. People may notice adverse effects from eating more than 70 g of fiber a day.

When increasing fiber intake, it is best to start slowly and increase the intake over several weeks to allow the body to adjust to this change in the diet.

9. Replace sodas with water

Fizzy, carbonated drinks contain gas that can build up in the stomach. The carbon dioxide that makes soda and similar beverages fizzy can also cause bubbling and bloating in the stomach.

Sugars or artificial sweeteners in the diet can also cause gas and bloating. Drinking water eliminates these issues and helps to treat constipation as well.

10. Avoid chewing gum

The sugar alcohols in gum can cause bloating in some people. Swallowing air while chewing also may lead to bloating and gas pain. People can use ginger mints or peppermints to freshen their breath instead.

11. Get more active every day

Exercise helps your body move stool and gas out of the colon and may make bowel movements more regular. Exercise also releases extra sodium from the body through sweating, which can help to relieve water retention.

It is vital to drink plenty of water before and after exercising to stay hydrated, as dehydration can make constipation worse.

12. Eat at regular intervals

Many people experience bloating directly after a big meal. It is possible to avoid this by eating several smaller meals each day, which can help to keep the digestive system moving.

Swallowing food quickly can introduce air into the digestive tract. Drinking from a straw can also lead to people swallowing more air, which in turn leads to gas and bloating. People who have bloating should avoid using straws if possible and try eating slowly to avoid swallowing air during meals.

13. Try probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that live in the intestines. Taking a probiotic supplement may help to regulate the colon bacteria that can produce gas and cause bloating.

14. Cut down on salt

An excess of sodium causes the body to retain water. This can cause a swollen and bloated feeling in the belly and other areas of the body, such as the hands and feet.

15. Rule out medical conditions

In some cases, bloating may result from a medical condition. To get rid of this bloating, a person may need help from a doctor to diagnose and manage their condition.

Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, may cause people to experience bloating. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can also cause this symptom.

Gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts, can also cause pain, swelling, and feelings of bloating in the abdominal area.

People with these symptoms should discuss them with a doctor, who will also want to know about any relevant family medical history and other medical conditions. The doctor may order diagnostic tests to look for any problems. These may include an X-ray, ultrasound, colonoscopy, or blood tests.

16. Consider a low-FODMAP diet

FODMAPs are a type of carbohydrate that occurs in many different foods. A 2012 review article of multiple studies concluded that a low-FODMAP diet might improve symptoms in at least 74 percent of people with IBS. Typical symptoms include bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain.

17. Keep a food diary

Food intolerances are responsible for many cases of bloating. They can lead to excessive gas in the digestive tract.

Bloating is common in people who have lactose intolerance and are unable to digest the lactose sugar in dairy products. Autoimmune intolerance to gluten, known as celiac disease, is another potential culprit.

For people whose bloating happens after meals, keeping track of food and drink intake for several weeks should help to determine whether specific foods are responsible.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offer tips for keeping a food diary and provide a template for people to get started.

18. Look at supplements and medications

Some supplements, such as iron, can cause constipation and other symptoms of indigestion. This can increase bloating. Potassium, on the other hand, may reduce bloating by helping to balance the body’s sodium levels.

Medications may also cause side effects that affect GI function or cause indigestion. If this happens, a doctor or pharmacist can suggest alternatives that are more gentle on the digestive tract.

Although it is not common, bloating and swelling of the abdomen can signify a severe medical condition. Liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, kidney problems, and some types of cancer can cause bloating.

Bloating that continues for days or weeks may indicate a health issue that needs medical attention. It is advisable to speak to a doctor about ongoing bloating that does not go away over time.

People whose bloating occurs alongside these symptoms should seek medical advice:

• appetite changes or trouble eating
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• weight loss
• fever
• severe abdominal pain
• bright red blood in the stool
• black or dark maroon stools

Ultimately, the outlook for bloating depends on the underlying cause. Most of the time, bloating is due to minor issues that lifestyle changes or OTC treatments can resolve.

People should see a doctor if bloating is ongoing or occurs with other symptoms. Determining the underlying cause of bloating and other digestive issues is the first step to getting treatment and feeling better.

Quick tips and long-term relief

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Most people experience bloating at some point. Exercises, supplements, and massages can all help to reduce bloating quickly, and simple lifestyle changes can prevent it from reoccurring.

Abdominal bloating is when the abdomen feels full and tight. It commonly occurs due to a buildup of gas somewhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Bloating causes the belly to look larger than usual, and it may also feel tender or painful. Fluid retention in the body can also lead to bloating.

In this article, we provide techniques for getting rid of bloating quickly and explain how to reduce bloating in the long-term.

Bloating usually happens when excess gas builds up in the stomach or intestines. When bloating occurs right after a meal, it usually resolves itself, but it is often possible to speed up this process.

The best way to tackle bloating is to determine its cause. Common triggers for bloating include:

• Digestive issues. Constipation, food allergies, and intolerances can lead to bloating. When stool becomes backed up in the large bowel, it can cause bloating and a feeling of discomfort. Excess gas may also build up behind the stool, making the bloating worse.
• Diet. Fizzy drinks, too much salt or sugar, and not enough fiber in the diet can all cause bloating.
• Hormonal changes. Many people experience bloating before and during their periods due to hormonal changes and water retention.

Many home remedies can help to manage the pain and discomfort of bloating. The following quick tips may help people to get rid of a bloated belly quickly:

1. Go for a walk

Physical activity can get the bowels moving more regularly, which can help to release excess gas and stool. Getting the bowels to move is especially important if a person is feeling constipated. A walk around the block can provide fast relief from gas pressure.

2. Try yoga poses

Certain yoga poses can position the muscles in the abdomen in a way that encourages the release of excess gas from the GI tract. This can reduce bloating.

Child’s Pose, Happy Baby Pose, and squats can all help people to relieve a buildup of gas quickly. Learn more about yoga poses for flatulence.

3. Use peppermint capsules

Peppermint oil capsules may also be helpful for indigestion and related gas. Manufacturers usually market them as a treatment for the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but people without IBS can also use them to relieve bloating.

Peppermint works by relaxing the intestinal muscles, which allows gas and stool to move along more effectively. People should always follow the instructions on the packet. Anyone who is prone to heartburn may need to avoid peppermint.

Peppermint capsules are available to buy over the counter (OTC) at drug stores or online.

4. Try gas relief capsules

Simethicone pills and liquid are anti-gas medications that can help to move excess air out of the digestive tract. It is essential to always take medication according to the instructions on the label.

People can find gas relievers in drug stores or online.

5. Try abdominal massage

Massaging the abdomen can help to get the bowels moving. A massage that follows the path of the large intestine is especially helpful. People can follow the steps below to do this:

• Placing the hands just above the right hip bone.
• Rubbing in a circular motion with light pressure up toward the right side of the ribcage.
• Rubbing straight across the upper belly area toward the left rib cage.
• Moving slowly down toward the left hip bone.
• Repeating as necessary.

If the massage causes any pain, it is best to discontinue it immediately.

6. Use essential oils

A study from 2016 tested the effectiveness of supplements containing a combination of fennel and curcumin essential oil in 116 people with mild-to-moderate IBS. After 30 days, people reported an improvement in their IBS symptoms, including bloating and abdominal pain.

People should not consume essential oils without speaking to a doctor first. This is because some formulations may be toxic or can interfere with medication, and there is no regulation of dosages.

7. Take a warm bath, soaking, and relaxing

The heat of the bath can provide relief for a sore abdomen. Relaxation can reduce stress levels, which may allow the GI tract to function more effectively and help reduce bloating.

Quick fixes are not always effective for some causes of bloating. However, people who have frequent bloating may find that certain lifestyle changes can tackle the causes and reduce bloating over time.

People can use these simple steps to try to prevent bloating in the long-term:

8. Increase fiber gradually

Eating more fiber helps to prevent constipation and bloating. Most people in America do not get enough fiber, with only 5 percent of people meeting their recommended daily fiber intake of 25 grams (g) for females and 38 g for males.

However, it is important to bear in mind that eating too much fiber or increasing fiber intake too quickly can cause even more gas and bloating. People may notice adverse effects from eating more than 70 g of fiber a day.

When increasing fiber intake, it is best to start slowly and increase the intake over several weeks to allow the body to adjust to this change in the diet.

9. Replace sodas with water

Fizzy, carbonated drinks contain gas that can build up in the stomach. The carbon dioxide that makes soda and similar beverages fizzy can also cause bubbling and bloating in the stomach.

Sugars or artificial sweeteners in the diet can also cause gas and bloating. Drinking water eliminates these issues and helps to treat constipation as well.

10. Avoid chewing gum

The sugar alcohols in gum can cause bloating in some people. Swallowing air while chewing also may lead to bloating and gas pain. People can use ginger mints or peppermints to freshen their breath instead.

11. Get more active every day

Exercise helps your body move stool and gas out of the colon and may make bowel movements more regular. Exercise also releases extra sodium from the body through sweating, which can help to relieve water retention.

It is vital to drink plenty of water before and after exercising to stay hydrated, as dehydration can make constipation worse.

12. Eat at regular intervals

Many people experience bloating directly after a big meal. It is possible to avoid this by eating several smaller meals each day, which can help to keep the digestive system moving.

Swallowing food quickly can introduce air into the digestive tract. Drinking from a straw can also lead to people swallowing more air, which in turn leads to gas and bloating. People who have bloating should avoid using straws if possible and try eating slowly to avoid swallowing air during meals.

13. Try probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that live in the intestines. Taking a probiotic supplement may help to regulate the colon bacteria that can produce gas and cause bloating.

14. Cut down on salt

An excess of sodium causes the body to retain water. This can cause a swollen and bloated feeling in the belly and other areas of the body, such as the hands and feet.

15. Rule out medical conditions

In some cases, bloating may result from a medical condition. To get rid of this bloating, a person may need help from a doctor to diagnose and manage their condition.

Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, may cause people to experience bloating. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can also cause this symptom.

Gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts, can also cause pain, swelling, and feelings of bloating in the abdominal area.

People with these symptoms should discuss them with a doctor, who will also want to know about any relevant family medical history and other medical conditions. The doctor may order diagnostic tests to look for any problems. These may include an X-ray, ultrasound, colonoscopy, or blood tests.

16. Consider a low-FODMAP diet

FODMAPs are a type of carbohydrate that occurs in many different foods. A 2012 review article of multiple studies concluded that a low-FODMAP diet might improve symptoms in at least 74 percent of people with IBS. Typical symptoms include bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain.

17. Keep a food diary

Food intolerances are responsible for many cases of bloating. They can lead to excessive gas in the digestive tract.

Bloating is common in people who have lactose intolerance and are unable to digest the lactose sugar in dairy products. Autoimmune intolerance to gluten, known as celiac disease, is another potential culprit.

For people whose bloating happens after meals, keeping track of food and drink intake for several weeks should help to determine whether specific foods are responsible.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offer tips for keeping a food diary and provide a template for people to get started.

18. Look at supplements and medications

Some supplements, such as iron, can cause constipation and other symptoms of indigestion. This can increase bloating. Potassium, on the other hand, may reduce bloating by helping to balance the body’s sodium levels.

Medications may also cause side effects that affect GI function or cause indigestion. If this happens, a doctor or pharmacist can suggest alternatives that are more gentle on the digestive tract.

Although it is not common, bloating and swelling of the abdomen can signify a severe medical condition. Liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, kidney problems, and some types of cancer can cause bloating.

Bloating that continues for days or weeks may indicate a health issue that needs medical attention. It is advisable to speak to a doctor about ongoing bloating that does not go away over time.

People whose bloating occurs alongside these symptoms should seek medical advice:

• appetite changes or trouble eating
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• weight loss
• fever
• severe abdominal pain
• bright red blood in the stool
• black or dark maroon stools

Ultimately, the outlook for bloating depends on the underlying cause. Most of the time, bloating is due to minor issues that lifestyle changes or OTC treatments can resolve.

People should see a doctor if bloating is ongoing or occurs with other symptoms. Determining the underlying cause of bloating and other digestive issues is the first step to getting treatment and feeling better.

Belching, gas and bloating: Tips for reducing them

Belching, gas and bloating: Tips for reducing them

Belching, gas and bloating can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Here’s what causes these signs and symptoms — and how you can minimize them.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Belching or passing gas (flatus) is natural and common. Excessive belching or flatus, accompanied by bloating, pain or swelling of the abdomen (distention), can occasionally interfere with daily activities or cause embarrassment. But these signs and symptoms usually don’t point to a serious underlying condition and are often reduced with simple lifestyle changes.

When belching, gas or bloating interferes with your daily activities, there may be something wrong. Find out how to reduce or avoid gas and gas pains, and when you may need to see your doctor.

Belching: Getting rid of excess air

Belching is commonly known as burping. It’s your body’s way of expelling excess air from your upper digestive tract. Most belching is caused by swallowing excess air. This air most often never even reaches the stomach but accumulates in the esophagus.

You may swallow excess air if you eat or drink too fast, talk while you eat, chew gum, suck on hard candies, drink carbonated beverages, or smoke. Some people swallow air as a nervous habit even when they’re not eating or drinking.

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes cause excessive belching by promoting increased swallowing.

Chronic belching may also be related to inflammation of the stomach lining or to an infection with Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for some stomach ulcers. In these cases, the belching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as heartburn or abdominal pain.

You can reduce belching if you:

• Eat and drink slowly. Taking your time can help you swallow less air. Try to make meals relaxed occasions; eating when you’re stressed or on the run increases the air you swallow.
• Avoid carbonated drinks and beer. They release carbon dioxide gas.
• Skip the gum and hard candy. When you chew gum or suck on hard candy, you swallow more often than normal. Part of what you’re swallowing is air.
• Don’t smoke. When you inhale smoke, you also inhale and swallow air.
• Check your dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can cause you to swallow excess air when you eat and drink.
• Get moving. It may help to take a short walk after eating.
• Treat heartburn. For occasional, mild heartburn, over-the-counter antacids or other remedies may be helpful. GERD may require prescription-strength medication or other treatments.

Flatulence: Gas buildup in the intestines

Gas in the small intestine or colon is typically caused by the digestion or fermentation of undigested food by bacteria found in the bowel. Gas can also form when your digestive system doesn’t completely break down certain components in foods, such as gluten, found in most grains, or the sugar in dairy products and fruit.

Other sources of intestinal gas may include:

• Food residue in your colon
• A change in the bacteria in the small intestine
• Poor absorption of carbohydrates, which can upset the balance of helpful bacteria in your digestive system
• Constipation, since the longer food waste remains in your colon, the more time it has to ferment
• A digestive disorder, such as lactose or fructose intolerance or celiac disease

To prevent excess gas, it may help to:

• Eliminate certain foods. Common gas-causing offenders include beans, peas, lentils, cabbage, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, whole-grain foods, mushrooms, certain fruits, and beer and other carbonated drinks. Try removing one food at a time to see if your gas improves.
• Read labels. If dairy products seem to be a problem, you may have some degree of lactose intolerance. Pay attention to what you eat and try low-lactose or lactose-free varieties. Certain indigestible carbohydrates found in sugar-free foods (sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol) also may result in increased gas.
• Eat fewer fatty foods. Fat slows digestion, giving food more time to ferment.
• Temporarily cut back on high-fiber foods. Fiber has many benefits, but many high-fiber foods are also great gas producers. After a break, slowly add fiber back to your diet.

• Try an over-the-counter remedy. Some products such as Lactaid or Dairy Ease can help digest lactose. Products containing simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas, others) haven’t been proved to be helpful, but many people feel that these products work.

  Products such as Beano, particularly the liquid form, may decrease the gas produced during the breakdown of certain types of beans.

Bloating: Common but incompletely understood

Bloating is a sensation of having a full stomach. Distension is a visible or measurable increase in abdominal size. People often describe abdominal symptoms as bloating, especially if those symptoms don’t seem to be relieved by belching, passing gas or having a bowel movement.

The exact connection between intestinal gas and bloating is not fully understood. Many people with bloating symptoms don’t have any more gas in the intestine than do other people. Many people, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome or anxiety, may have a greater sensitivity to abdominal symptoms and intestinal gas, rather than an excess amount.

Nonetheless, bloating may be relieved by the behavioral changes that reduce belching, or the dietary changes that reduce flatus.

When to see your doctor

Excessive belching, passing gas and bloating often resolve on their own or with simple changes. If these are the only symptoms you have, they rarely represent any serious underlying condition.

Consult your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve with simple changes, particularly if you also notice:

• Diarrhea
• Persistent or severe abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• Changes in the color or frequency of stools
• Unintended weight loss
• Chest discomfort
• Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly

These signs and symptoms could signal an underlying digestive condition. Intestinal symptoms can be embarrassing — but don’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking help.

Feb. 13, 2020

Show references

1. Gas in the digestive tract. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gas-digestive-tract. Accessed Jan. 8, 2020.
2. Abraczinskas D. Overview of intestinal gas and bloating. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 8, 2020.
3. Gas-related complaints. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/symptoms-of-gi-disorders/gas-related-complaints?query=gas-related complaints#. Accessed Jan. 8, 2020.
4. Feldman M, et al. Intestinal gas. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 10th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 8, 2020.
5. Cameron P, et al., eds. Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis. In: Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 9, 2020.
6. Rowland I, et al. Gut microbiota functions: Metabolism of nutrients and other food components. European Journal of Nutrition. 2018; doi:10.1007/s00394-017-1445-8.

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Is Bloating a Cause for Concern?

We’ve all had that bloated, uncomfortable “full belly” feeling at some point. Most of the time, it’s perfectly normal and no cause for concern. On rare occasions, it could be an indication of a more serious problem.  Unless your bloating is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and weight loss, it’s probably nothing to worry about. Most of the time, diet and other simple reasons such as eating a big meal or too much salt can explain the bloating you’re experiencing.  Let’s discuss some common causes of bloating, and when bloating can be a cause for concern.

Common Causes of Bloating

The following are some common reasons why you might feel bloated. In most instances, these causes of bloating can be reduced or eliminated by practical diet and lifestyle changes.

–       Healthy eating.  Believe it or not, healthy foods are the reason for a bloated stomach. Whole veggies such as cabbage, brussel sprouts, and carrots; and legumes such as beans, can cause extra air to get trapped in your belly, giving you that uncomfortable and bloated feeling. Foods high in fiber and lactose can also cause bloating since they release hydrogen and methane, which are bloating gases. Certain fruits like apples, pears, and watermelon can also cause bloating because of the high ratio of fructose to glucose.

–       Consuming diet products. Sugar substitutes (otherwise known as sugar alcohols) found in many diet foods, such as sorbitol and xylitol) can cause you to feel bloated and uncomfortable.  Ingesting too much of these or any artificial substances can cause bloating.

–       Fizzy drinks.  Bubbly drinks like soda, champagne, or seltzer can do a number on your stomach because of the carbonation. When you ingest these drinks, the bubbles expand in your gut, which leads to that bloated feeling. This is also true of popular probiotic, naturally fermented drinks like kombucha, which can cause gas, bloating and loose stools.

–       Constipation.  We’ve all experienced that terrible feeling of not being able to go to the bathroom. When you get backed up, it is usually accompanied by gas. The gas in your belly can leave your feeling bloated and heavy.

–       Stress.  When you’re stressed out, your body experiences physical symptoms that can have an effect on your GI tract and lead to bloating.  For example, heavy breathing makes you swallow more air than normal, which leave you feeling bloated. When your heart races, your body diverts blood away from the GI tract, which then slows down your digestion.

–       Lack of exercise.  It may be difficult to think about exercising when you’re feeling bloated. However, exercise is a great way to prevent or overcome bloating. If you find yourself bloated, it may mean you’re not getting enough exercise. When you do physical activity, it stimulates the muscles of the digestive tract which, in turn, helps the food and air bubbles pass through your GI tract more easily.

–       Recovery from a stomach bug.  Many people experience bloating after having a stomach virus or bug. This’s because of the bacterial overgrowth that occurred in the small intestine as a result of the infection.

When Bloating Is a Sign of Something More Serious

Each of the previous reasons for bloating can be overcome through diet, exercise, and mindful living. Although not as common, bloating may be an indication of a more serious condition that requires medical attention.  The following are three conditions and what to look for.

–       Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that causes a change in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or both.  These changes can cause stomach pain.   If you are diagnosed with IBS, you’re not alone – according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, 10-15 percent of Americans have IBS. If you notice these symptoms or think you have IBS, see your doctor.

–       Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can cause bloating. It is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and/or fever. If you experience a combination of these symptoms, visit your doctor to get tested for Crohn’s disease.

–       Cancer.  Don’t panic! Most of the time bloating is a result of something very treatable. However, in rare cases, it can be a sign of a more serious illness such as cancer. If your bloating is combined with symptoms such as blood in the stool and weight loss, you may want to see your doctor who can check you for pancreatic or stomach cancer (or ovarian cancer in women).

Don’t let bloating ruin your life. Let the gastro experts at Austin Gastroenterology help you get to the bottom of your bloating issues. We serve patients at 18 offices throughout the greater Austin area. You can make an appointment using our online form or call the number associated with the office you’d like to visit.

Symptoms & Causes of Gas in the Digestive Tract

In this section:

What are the symptoms of gas?

The most common gas symptoms include burping, passing gas, bloating, and pain or discomfort in your abdomen. Gas symptoms vary from person to person.

Burping

Burping, or belching, once in a while, especially during and after meals, is normal. If you burp a lot, you may be swallowing too much air and releasing it before the air enters your stomach.

Passing gas

Passing gas around 13 to 21 times a day is normal.¹

Bloating

Bloating is a feeling of fullness or swelling in your abdomen. Bloating most often occurs during or after a meal.

Pain or discomfort in your abdomen

You may feel pain or discomfort in your abdomen when gas does not move through your intestines normally.

When should I talk with a doctor about my gas symptoms?

You should talk with your doctor if

• gas symptoms bother you
• your symptoms change suddenly
• you have other symptoms with gas—such as constipation, diarrhea, or weight loss

What causes gas?

Gas normally enters your digestive tract when you swallow air and when bacteria in your large intestine break down certain undigested foods. You may have more gas in your digestive tract if you swallow more air or eat certain foods.

Swallowed air

Everyone swallows a small amount of air when eating and drinking. You swallow more air when you

• chew gum
• drink carbonated, or fizzy, drinks
• eat or drink too fast
• smoke
• suck on hard candy
• wear loose-fitting dentures

Swallowed air that doesn’t leave your stomach by burping moves into your intestines and passes through your anus.

You swallow more air when you chew gum; drink carbonated, or fizzy, drinks; or suck on hard candy.

Bacteria in your large intestine

Your stomach and small intestine don’t fully digest some of the carbohydrates—sugars, starches, and fiber—in the food you eat. Undigested carbohydrates will pass to your large intestine, which contains bacteria. These bacteria break down undigested carbohydrates and create gas in the process.

What foods, drinks, or products cause gas?

A variety of foods, drinks, and products can cause gas. See the following table for examples.

What conditions cause excess gas or increase gas symptoms?

Some conditions can cause you to have more gas than usual or have more symptoms when you have gas. These conditions include the following:

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 conditions.

IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms—including pain or discomfort in your abdomen and changes in your bowel movement patterns—that occur together. IBS can affect how gas moves through your intestines. You may also feel bloated due to increased sensitivity to normal amounts of gas.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that occurs when stomach contents flow back up into your esophagus. People with GERD may burp a lot to relieve discomfort.

Problems digesting carbohydrates

Problems digesting carbohydrates that can lead to gas and bloating include

• lactose intolerance, a condition in which you have digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea after eating or drinking milk or milk products.
• dietary fructose intolerance, a condition in which you have digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea after consuming foods that contain fructose.
• celiac disease, an immune disorder in which you cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and some products such as lip balm and cosmetics. If you have celiac disease, gluten damages the lining of your small intestine.

Conditions that affect how gas moves through your intestines

Conditions that affect how gas moves through your intestines can lead to problems with gas and bloating. These conditions include dumping syndrome, abdominal adhesions, abdominal hernias, and conditions that can cause an intestinal obstruction such as colon cancer or ovarian cancer.

References

[1] Greenberger NJ. Gas-related complaints. The Merck Manual website. www.merckmanuals.com. Updated November 2013. Accessed November 10, 2015.

7 Easy Ways to Tame Excessive Gas or Flatulence

When it comes to what factors cause gas, there are several main culprits:

• Eating high-fiber foods like beans, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Drinking carbonated beverages
• Chewing gum
• Eating too quickly or talking while chewing, which results in swallowing more air
• Drinking through a straw
• Consuming artificial sweeteners
• Chronic intestinal diseases like diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease
• Food intolerances like celiac disease or lactose intolerance
• Bacterial overgrowth in the small bowel

It’s common to experience some gas after eating — and to release it through belching or flatulence. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), passing gas about 13 to 21 times a day is normal.

But if you’re experiencing painful gas and the embarrassment of chronic and foul-smelling flatulence, you can start to play detective and try to eliminate the cause with the following steps.

1. Avoid Foods Known to Cause Gas

One way to manage flatulence and belching is to eat fewer of the well-known gassy foods. Common culprits include:

• Fruits like apples and pears
• Vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and onions
• Whole grains like bran
• Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and ice cream.

These items contain fiber, sugars, and starches that don’t digest or absorb easily, eventually causing intestinal gas.

Foods containing sorbitol, a naturally occurring sugar found in fruit, are on some people’s gassy foods list. Other people are bothered by carbonated soft drinks and fruit drinks. If you discover that these foods are causing you excess gas, eliminate them from your diet or consume them in smaller portions. When it comes to foods to avoid, moderation is key, says Stephen Bickston, MD, a professor of internal medicine and the director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at the Center for Digestive Health at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Keep in mind that almost any food or combination of foods can cause gas.

“Certain foods don’t get along well in certain people,” says Donald Novey, MD, an integrative medicine physician in Poulsbo, Washington. “Some people find they are gassy if they eat fruits with proteins, or if they eat starches and proteins together. It’s personal and requires a little experimentation to find out what the culprits are.”

Dr. Novey suggests keeping a food diary and noting when you feel gassy. “If you find you’re gassy after eating a certain food, eliminate it from your diet and see if it helps,” he says.

Cooking may help break down some of the offending ingredients, too, Dr. Bickston says. “But the style of cooking can also decrease healthy chemicals found in vegetables. Boiling seems to break down chlorophyll and other desirable ingredients.” Look for recipes that call for steaming, as that seems to be a better cooking method for gassy foods.

2. Drink Before Meals

If you drink liquids with your meals, you lose stomach acids and can’t break down food as well, Novey says. Try drinking about 30 minutes before a meal to help your stomach digest better.

3. Eat and Drink Slowly

When you eat or drink fast, you can swallow a lot of air, which can cause gas, says Bickston. The simple solution? Slow down when you eat. If you have dentures, check with your dentist to be sure they fit properly so you’re not gasping air while eating.

4. Take Over-the-Counter Digestive Aids

Digestive enzymes are available as over-the-counter supplements. “I recommend going to the health food store and getting a digestive enzyme,” says Novey. “You can take one or two. You will know very rapidly — within a few weeks — if it makes a difference.” But antacids won’t do much for excessive gas, says Bickston.

Another over-the-counter digestive aid, Beano, contains an enzyme that breaks down the complex carbohydrates in beans and many vegetables into more easily digestible sugars. Take two to three Beano tablets or one Beano Meltaway (a dissolving tablet) before each meal. Note that Beano won’t help if excessive gas is caused by fiber or lactose.

5. Try Activated Charcoal

While research is still limited, researchers believe activated charcoal may help reduce and treat excess gas and bloating. Unlike the charcoal you find in your grill or fireplace, activated charcoal undergoes a special treatment that makes it safe for human consumption. Once you take activated charcoal (via liquid or pill), it attaches to fluid in your gut, potentially reducing gas and bloating and creating firmer stools.

In a small study published in the Journal of Ultrasound, 42 people with a history of excessive gas in their intestines took 448 milligrams (mg) of activated charcoal for two days before a medical exam and then 672 mg on the day of the exam. The researchers found that they had a better ultrasound view of certain organs that normally would have been obscured by excessive gas.

In a study published in August 2017 in PLoS One, patients who were given 45 mg of simethicone (an over-the-counter digestive aid) and 140 mg of activated charcoal reported significant improvements in abdominal pain.

6. Don’t Fill Up on Air

Habits like smoking, chewing gum, and drinking through a straw may cause your stomach to fill with air, leading to gas.

7. Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Sorbitol and related sugar alcohols used in many sugar-free versions of foods can also aggravate gas. “Sorbitol is often the first ingredient in any brand of sugar-free gum I’ve found at local grocery stores,” says Bickston. “One to two sticks is akin to eating a prune.” But the sugar substitutes that are found at a typical coffee stand or in popular soft drinks are not the kind that cause gas. The various packet sweeteners — yellow (sucralose), pink (saccharine), and blue (aspartame) — are not associated with gas or laxative effects.

8. Try Herbs for Gas Relief

Some research suggests a number of herbs may help relieve excess gas. For example, a review published in April 2015 in European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Studies found ginger helps speed digestion. This is helpful because if the stomach empties faster, gas can move more quickly to the small intestine to relieve bloating and discomfort.

A review published in 2014 in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that peppermint oil significantly improved symptoms of IBS, including abdominal pain.

Chamomile is thought to aid in a number of digestive issues, including upset stomach, bloating, and intestinal gas, by relaxing GI muscles and improving digestion.

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 (IBS) “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 (GERD), 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 body’s digestive system. But if your gas is excessive, painful, or chronic, talk to your doctor about possible causes and remedies.

10 causes of bloating or abdominal gas you didn’t know about

Did you know a high fibre diet, sugary foods and constipation are common causes of bloating? Here’s how you can fight against these causes of bloating and abdominal gas.

Written by Mita Majumdar | Updated : April 18, 2016 10:56 AM IST

Everyone has experienced abdominal bloating and gas at some point or the other, especially after a heavy meal. However, dealing with bloating and gas almost every single day is not only embarrassing, but it can also severely affect the quality of your life. While you might attribute it to the amount of food you have been eating off late, in reality it could be due to the kind of food you consumed, certain diseases and even smoking. Here are the 10 most common causes of bloating along with tips to manage this symptom.

1. High-fibre diets

Oatmeal, breads, bran flakes, cooked barley, spaghetti (even whole wheat), lentils (dal), beans, peas, apples and pears with skin, bananas, and other foods are essential for good health and to avoid many gastrointestinal problems, but too much of these can make your stomach bloat. Also read about other foods could be the cause of bloating or feeling gassy.

Reason: Fibre cannot be digested in the human intestine. Bloating from fibre rich foods occurs because the bacteria inside the colon digest the fibre to a certain extent. Gas is produced as a by-product of this digestion.

Solution: Fibre is important, so you shouldn t avoid eating it. Just take note if your stomach bloats after you ve had too much of fibre for your breakfast or other meals. Consciously reduce your fibre intake, especially if you’ve started adding a lot of raw salads to your diet. Start from a very low fibre intake for some time and gradually increase the intake to a level where it just starts to bloat. Now you know the trigger level for bloating. Problem solved!

2. Sugary foods

Sugary foods such as pastry, cookies, fruit juices, sweetened soda, sugary desserts, too, can cause bloating. Avoiding sugary foods is also very important if you want to keep your skin looking supple and healthy.

Reason: The reason for bloating is the same as in cases of high-fibre diets but this time the bacteria in the intestines (and not colon) digest the sugar and produces gas.

Solution: Try the same experiment as in high-fibre diet if you feel the bloating after consuming sugary foods. If you have a sweet tooth, try these 7 low-sugar foods.

3. Constipation

If you have constipation, you might have noticed that your stomach bloats and as the day progresses you get a tight belly with abdominal pain.

Reason: The gas formed as a by-product of digestion gets trapped behind slow moving stool and keeps building up depending on the severity of the constipation, and you feel the bloating.

Solution: Change your eating habits and diet, but not drastically. Gradually include more of insoluble fibres such as fruits and vegetables and nuts in your diet. Drink lots of water. You can also try these home remedies for constipation.

4. Smoking

Bloating is a common side-effect of smoking. This is because smokers tend to inhale a lot more air than non-smokers which can lead to the build-up of gas either in the oesophagus, the stomach or the colon.

Solution: Control the addiction or just kick the butt; bloating won t trouble you as much then. You could try these 4 natural remedies that might help you in kicking the butt.

5. Acid reflux

If you feel bloated in the upper belly especially after meals, feel nauseous after a meal, or burp excessively within an hour of the meal, you may be having a condition called dyspepsia or acid reflux or simply, indigestion.

Reason: When the food, stomach acid, and other digestive juices backflow into the oesophagus, it is called acid reflux. The back flow occurs when the valve between the stomach and the lower end of the oesophagus does not close tightly enough or relaxes at the wrong times. Over eating may also cause acid reflux. Other reasons for reflux are smoking, drinking, and obesity, being over 35 years of age and being pregnant. Here are 8 common causes of indigestion you didn’t know.

Solution: Solution for mild dyspepsia can be in taking carbonated drinks in this case since fizzy drinks can relieve the pressure in your belly by inducing belching. Or better still, take some antacids. Severe dyspepsia, however, will require you to consult your doctor.

6. Splenic-flexure syndrome

When the air (gas) gets trapped inside the bends in the colon situated next to the spleen, it is called the splenic-flexure syndrome. It is a painful condition and the pain occurs in the upper left side of the abdomen and can sometimes be misconstrued as a heart attack. Abdominal bloating is the most common symptom of this disorder.

Solution: The best way to deal with this disorder is to avoid foods that cause gas. It is important to be aware of the fact that eating beans is not the only cause of bloating. Broccoli, cabbage, processed foods, prunes, peas and apples are some other examples of foods that cause bloating. These are the food do’s and don’t’s for acidity.

7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is when you have bloating accompanied by abdominal pain and cramping and change in bowel movement but with normal bowel structure. Here are 6 effective ways to manage IBS.

Probable cause: Infection in the intestine or even stress can be a trigger for IBS.

Solution: Avoiding large meals and avoiding foods that contain caffeine or colas that stimulate the intestines can improve the condition. Although it is a common intestinal problem, it is best to consult a gastroenterologist (bowel specialist) if the change in your bowel habits persist. The specialist may ask you to get some tests done to rule out Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and colon cancer.

8. Celiac disease

Celiac disease, commonly prevalent in western countries and Africa, is generally considered to be caused by allergy to gluten present in wheat and related grains.

Probable cause: Medical fraternity now believes that it is actually a multi-system disorder which is highly variable in its clinical expression, may occur at any age, and may present with a variety of manifestations and is common in India as well.

For example, in an article published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, B S Ramakrishna suggests that the disorder can have gastrointestinal manifestations that include diarrhoea, weight loss, stunting, abdominal pain, bloating and distension, anorexia, vomiting and constipation; or it may not be gastrointestinal related at all. It could be iron deficiency anaemia, osteoporosis, vitamin deficiencies, or fatigue. Celiac disease can also be associated with infertility in women, type 1 diabetes, mouth ulcers, thyroiditis, depression, and even epilepsy.

Solution: Given these facts, Indian researchers recommend changing back to growing/consuming older diploid varieties of wheat and other cereals that are considered to be safe.

9. Crohn s disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract but more commonly affects the intestines. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and weight loss, but patients with Crohn’s disease also can develop symptoms such as worsening of diarrhoea, bloating, fatigue, fever, nausea and vomiting, and anaemia.

Probable complications: A number of complications can develop from Crohn’s disease narrowing of colon causing obstruction, perforation or abscesses in the colon, colon cancer, sepsis (infection of the blood), osteoporosis, gallstones, liver damage, and blood clots, to name a few.

Solution: Do not ignore the symptoms and get proper medical treatment for the condition.

10. Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is the formation of abnormal pouches in the bowel wall. These pouches can occur throughout the gut, but they most commonly occur in the colon. Although they don t cause symptoms, they co-exist with IBS and the symptoms you get are those of IBS. Diverticulosis, as such is not a serious disorder but if they start to bleed or perforate, they become a serious illness.

Unexplained bloating

Sometimes the cause of bloating may not have a simple explanation. One such disorder is a psychosomatic illness called Alvarez s syndrome in which there s abdominal bloating without any excess gas in the digestive tract.

If bloating persists, even though you have tried elimination diets and other methods of dealing with bloating, talk to your doctor. Bloating may be a symptom of a more serious disorder which may not.

Watch Dr Ramen Goel tell you all that you need to know about gastric bypass:

Image Source: Shutterstock.com

For more articles on diseases and conditions, visit our diseases and conditions section. For daily free health tips, sign up for ournewsletter. For health related Q&A, click here!

References:

1. Ramakrishna, B. S. (2011). Celiac disease: can we avert the impending epidemic in India? The Indian Journal of Medical Research, 133(1), 5 8.
2. Geerling BJ, Badart-Smook A, Stockbr gger RW, Brummer R-JM. Comprehensive nutritional status in recently diagnosed patients with inflammatory bowel disease compared with population controls. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2000;54:514-521.
3. Sullivan, S. N. (2012). Functional Abdominal Bloating with Distention. ISRN Gastroenterology, 2012, 721820. doi:10.5402/2012/721820

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90,000 Bloating, rumbling, flatulence, diarrhea? – Gastroenterology – Departments

Bloating, rumbling, flatulence, diarrhea?

SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome) IS POSSIBLE!

The syndrome of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO) is characterized by overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine and / or a change in their species composition.

What symptoms can be caused by SIBO?

• bloating
• rumbling
• feeling of fullness of the abdomen
• Excessive exhaust of gases
• prolonged diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• Poor tolerance of some foodstuffs

In severe cases, there may be impaired digestion of fats, deficiency of iron, vitamins A, D and E, folic acid, vitamin B12.

In what situations is it important to identify SIBO?

The reasons for the development of SIBR are varied. These include a decrease in the secretion of hydrochloric acid by the stomach in atrophic gastritis or prolonged use of drugs that reduce the acidity of gastric juice, liver disease, pancreas (chronic pancreatitis) and small intestine (celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease), conditions after surgery on the digestive system , long courses of antibiotic therapy, intestinal infections.SIBO can often be detected in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The possible role of SIBO in obesity and type 2 diabetes is discussed.

How can SIBO be diagnosed?

In world clinical practice, the main method for diagnosing SIBO is the hydrogen breath test (determination of the concentration of hydrogen in the exhaled air on an empty stomach and after taking lactulose). In the presence of SIBO, the level of hydrogen in the exhaled air is high due to the formation of microbial metabolites in the small intestine.The same method can be used to control the results of treatment with various drugs that suppress the growth of excess flora in the small intestine.

The advantages of the method include its non-invasiveness, relative simplicity and low cost.

The result is ready immediately after the end of the study.

How do I prepare for the test?

1. Avoid all alcoholic beverages (including beer) at least 24 hours in advance.
2. 24 hours before the test, exclude: apples, pears, plums, cabbage, onions, garlic, legumes, pickled vegetables, smoked meats, milk, juices, chocolate, chewing gum.
3. Do not eat at least 14 hours before the test, you can drink water.
4. No smoking 12 hours before the start of the study.
5. On the day of the study, do not use denture adhesives.
6. Do not sleep, do not exercise 2 hours before the study.
7. Brush your teeth in the morning
8. Research time is about 2 hours.

Treatment for bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

It should be borne in mind that SIBO is not an independent pathology, but only a secondary syndrome that accompanies many pathological conditions.Therefore, in order to correct microbial disorders, it is first of all necessary to eliminate the cause.

For the treatment of SIBO, drugs are used that selectively suppress the growth of foreign flora and do not affect the intestinal normal flora.

90,000 tablets, drugs, drugs, methods of treatment in adults

Increased gas production, or flatulence, is a widespread phenomenon, therefore tablets from flatulence and gases from the shelves of pharmacies scatter very quickly. Gases in the intestinal lumen appear as foam with a large number of small bubbles containing gas.Normally, the intestines of a healthy person contain up to 20 ml of gases, and 600-1200 ml are released through the rectum per day; in pathological processes, up to 5000 ml of gases can be released through the rectum.
The three main sources of intestinal gases are air swallowed with food, gases that enter the intestinal lumen from the blood, and gases that are synthesized in the intestine during fermentation, decay and as a result of the vital activity of special gas-producing microorganisms in the intestinal microflora.
Common causes of flatulence include diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, disturbances in the balance of intestinal microflora and the ratio of gas-producing and consuming microorganisms, disturbances in intestinal motility, and stress. Often, flatulence is the result of an unbalanced diet with a large amount of coarse fiber, legumes, raw vegetables and fruits, and foods that are characterized by fermentation and fermentation (for example, kvass or sauerkraut).This “style” of food is typical for residents of large cities.

Treatment of intestinal flatulence: principles and groups of drugs

The main principle of treating bloating is to identify and eliminate the factors that lead to increased gas production.
The best remedies for flatulence and bloating can be selected only after identifying the causes that led to the development of the disease, therefore accurate diagnosis is an important principle in the treatment of the disease.One of the main principles of the treatment of flatulence is the removal of gases accumulated in the intestinal lumen, restoration of intestinal motor function, restoration of biocenosis (normal intestinal microflora) and treatment of the underlying disease, the manifestation of which may be flatulence.
In the treatment of flatulence in adults, drugs of several main groups are used. These are enterosorbents, antifoam preparations (carminative agents), agents containing digestive enzymes, antispasmodics (relieve spasm and reduce pain), prokinetics that improve the motor (motor) activity of the intestine, and agents that normalize the balance of the intestinal microflora.

Treatment of flatulence: the best drugs and pills for bloating

Preparations enterosorbents against flatulence

The drugs of the group are distinguished by a narrow range of contraindications, and can be used to treat flatulence in both adults and children. However, with flatulence caused by chronic diseases of the digestive tract, enterosorbents have only a temporary relief effect.
Activated carbon. A natural and universal remedy for flatulence in the intestines, which is used to “collect” (absorb) substances that cause putrefactive processes and fermentation. The remedy works not only for flatulence, but also for digestive disorders and poisoning. Activated carbon is good because it is not absorbed into the bloodstream, acting only in the intestinal lumen. The medicine is released in the form of tablets. When taking it is important to remember that long-term and uncontrolled intake of activated charcoal can cause constipation.
White coal. A more modern alternative to the classic activated carbon, a natural preparation based on microcrystalline cellulose and silicon dioxide. Has a more powerful absorbent potential, helps to effectively reduce gas formation and stimulate intestinal motor activity. This drug for intestinal flatulence is not used during pregnancy.
Polysorb. Another effective enterosorbent, which contains silicon dioxide. Available in powder form; use Polysorb in the form of a solution (suspension).Has the ability to absorb excess gases and harmful substances (toxins), providing a cleansing effect. This medicine is prescribed for flatulence and gas against the background of food poisoning or for intestinal infections. Contraindicated in intestinal atony and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Antifoam medicines against flatulence

Defoamers are fast acting, “imploding” the gas bubbles in the intestine, but require long-term use to ensure long-term effect.
Meteospasmil. The drug was created with the introduction of simethicone, a substance that reduces gas formation. It somewhat reduces the pain sensitivity of the intestines.
Espumisan. One of the most common and well-known remedies for flatulence in adults. It is produced in various forms – in the form of drops, capsules, emulsions and granules. It actively destroys gas bubbles, improving the well-being of a person suffering from excessive gas formation. Espumisan is not used for intestinal obstruction; can cause an allergic reaction.Espumisan is allowed during pregnancy.

Antispasmodic drugs against flatulence

Preparations from the group of antispasmodics eliminate spasms of the intestinal muscles, and relieve pain syndrome, which is often accompanied by the process of gas accumulation in the intestine and stretching of the intestinal wall. The most commonly used drugs for flatulence and bloating are No-shpa (Drotaverin), Papaverin, and a more modern remedy – Neobutin.

Medicines-prokinetics against flatulence

Prokinetics help to improve the motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract, make the process of passage of the food bolus through the intestinal lumen faster, and by reducing the time the food stays in the intestine, reduce the intensity of fermentation and decay processes, which are accompanied by the release of gases.
Domperidone, Passenger, Motilium. These drugs are often used in the treatment of flatulence.They help improve the digestibility of food by reducing the amount of gases accumulating in the intestinal lumen. In addition to flatulence, these drugs are prescribed for belching, heartburn, nausea and functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Enzyme preparations against flatulence

Enzymes help to normalize digestive functions, improve the general condition of a person with various manifestations of diseases of the digestive system, including bloating and increased gas production.
Mezim forte. Helps faster breakdown and absorption of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and starch in the large intestine. Eases the feeling of heaviness with occasional overeating, with flatulence, helps with diarrhea, diseases of the stomach and pancreas. It is not used in cases when a person has pancreatitis in the acute stage or chronic exacerbation.

Preparations normalizing intestinal microflora against flatulence

Choosing how to treat intestinal flatulence, doctors use drugs to restore the balance of normal microflora.The state of the intestinal microflora largely determines how much gas is formed in the intestine.
Linex. The drug contains three types of lactic acid bacteria. Has a pronounced “fixing” effect, eliminating diarrhea. Allowed for use at any age, however, to achieve a long-term effect of normalizing microflora, a long course of treatment is required. Contraindications for the use of Linex include individual intolerance to fermented milk products; when taking the drug, skin rashes and itching are possible.
Lactofiltrum. A combined preparation, which contains a natural sorbent lignin, and a prebiotic (lactulose), which creates conditions for the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora. Improves intestinal motility, actively binds and helps to remove toxins and harmful substances from the intestinal lumen, including those causing increased gas formation. Available in pill form.
Maxilac .
A modern synbiotic preparation, which is designed to restore and maintain the balance of intestinal microflora in adults and children over 3 years old.The product contains 9 different types of beneficial bacteria (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli), which normally constitute the basis of the intestinal microflora, and indigestible carbohydrates (prebiotics), which are not broken down in the intestine and provide a nutrient medium for the growth of beneficial microflora. Provides normalization of intestinal microflora and processes occurring in the gastrointestinal tract, including gas formation. It can even be used in people with lactase deficiency (individual intolerance to dairy products).

Food for flatulence

Diet is an important auxiliary element of therapy in identifying flatulence. For people suffering from flatulence, it is important not only to take pills for flatulence and gas, but also to reconsider their usual diet. It is important to exclude gas-forming foods – grapes, sorrel, gooseberries, cabbage, legumes, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and reduce the frequency of eating fatty, fried and high-calorie foods.The content of fermented milk products (if there is no intolerance), crumbly cereals, steam or boiled vegetables, lean meats, poultry and fish should be increased in the diet. If there is no effect, it is imperative to consult your doctor.

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Flatulence ›Diseases› DoctorPiter.ru

Flatulence is an excessive accumulation of gas in the intestines. This condition gives a person much more trouble than just abdominal pain.Therefore, as soon as you notice unpleasant symptoms, immediately consult a doctor.

Features

Depending on the severity of symptoms, two variants of the manifestation of flatulence can be distinguished. In the first case, the main symptom is bloating. In this case, the patient experiences a feeling of discomfort, the abdomen is enlarged, it is just bursting with it, even painful sensations are possible, but gases do not come out due to rectal spasm.

In the second case, there is no bloating, but there is an abundant discharge of gases from the intestines.It is accompanied by rumbling and transfusion in the stomach, a specific sound, and often also an unpleasant odor. In this case, there is no physical discomfort, but it is not very pleasant to be in the company of a person suffering from flatulence.

Description

In healthy people, about 600 ml of gas is normally released through the rectum. It appears in the rectum in three ways. First, as a result of swallowing air, as a result of ingestion from the blood and as a result of food digestion.Normally, most of the gas is absorbed by the aerobic bacteria that live in the intestines. And if the balance between gas production and gas absorption is disturbed, flatulence develops. Sufferers of flatulence release 3 or more liters of gas per day. And a healthy person may have increased gas production after he eats cabbage, legumes, apples, black bread. There is also a lot of gas produced after beer and heavily carbonated drinks. The gas contains nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen, methane, ammonia.And the unpleasant smell is due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide and skatole (a rotting product of the amino acid tryptophan) in it.

Flatulence can occur in the very first days of a person’s life. The reasons for its occurrence are varied. So, it can be caused by improper nutrition. Moreover, both foods that stimulate gas formation and the way of eating can be to blame – poorly chewed food enters the lower parts of the stomach, where the processes of its decay and fermentation begin, accompanied by violent gas formation.The reason for gas formation may be the lack of any enzymes, since without enzymes food is not digested to the end and rots and wanders in the lower intestines. It is because of the lack of enzymes that babies suffer. In addition, air is swallowed both when talking and when swallowing unchewed food. With dysbiosis, gas can be formed within normal limits, but if there are no bacteria to absorb it, the gas will be released into the environment. Flatulence can be a symptom of Crohn’s disease, gastritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.Due to the compression of the intestinal lumen and the weakening of its peristalsis, pregnant women suffer from flatulence, especially in the second half of pregnancy.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made on the basis of patient complaints. But to make a diagnosis is not enough, it is still necessary to determine what caused the flatulence. To do this, the doctor must find out the characteristics of the patient’s diet and lifestyle. It is necessary to do blood tests, urine, feces, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, FGDS, colonoscopy, as well as conduct a bacteriological and biochemical examination of the intestinal contents.

Treatment

After a thorough diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe treatment. It consists either in removing gases, or in eliminating the cause of excessive gassing. Prescribed drugs to reduce gas production, improve intestinal motility, improve digestion, adsorbents. And the second stage is the treatment of the disease that caused the development of flatulence.

During treatment, the patient must exclude from the diet foods that increase gas production: beans, all types of cabbage, apples, pears, whole grain bread, fruit drinks, carbonated drinks.You may have to give up dairy products – lactose intolerance can be the cause of flatulence. Don’t chew gum.

Prevention

To avoid unpleasant symptoms, follow a diet, eat often, but in small portions, chew food thoroughly, do not eat “on the go” and do not drink in large sips. Drink plenty of water and broth. Doctors also recommend getting rid of dental problems, since it is difficult to chew food well with diseased teeth, which means there is a possibility of flatulence.

© Dr. Peter

90,000 When charming gut disappoints

Causes of increased gas production in the intestine

In general, gassing is normal. Up to 600 ml of gases per day are released on average in a perfectly healthy person. Firstly, we swallow air with food, and secondly, the intestines are full of microorganisms that release gases during their life. Normally, if the microflora is healthy, there is a moderate amount of gas.But if pathogenic bacteria and fungi predominate, fermentation processes take place, bloating can intensify and become a serious problem.

Abnormal bloating can have additional symptoms:

• strong swelling feeling,
• rezi,
• cramping pains,
• strong rumbling,
• burp,
• chair problems,
• heavy feeling,
• heartburn,
• unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Diseases that must be excluded lead to increased flatulence. For example, inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, enzyme deficiency, bacterial overgrowth, intolerance to certain types of foods (lactose, gluten), problems with the gallbladder and liver.

If the symptoms of flatulence are not supplemented by the listed complications, there may be nutritional errors or other natural causes of bloating.

Why does the belly swell up in a relatively healthy person

• Eating in a hurry and talking at the table (we swallow a lot of air).
• Carbonated drinks.
• The use of foods that contribute to the formation of gases: legumes, coarse fiber, fatty and sweet foods, yeast (baked goods, beer), dairy products.
• PMS and pregnancy.
• Nervous tension and depression (yes, the gastrointestinal tract actively reacts to changes in our moods and emotional state).

What to take for flatulence and bloating?

It is worth starting with a doctor’s consultation and normalization of nutrition.In the meantime, you understand the key factors, you can relieve symptoms with folk and modern remedies.

To combat flatulence in adults, enterosorbing agents (the most famous is activated carbon) are used, which absorb gases, as well as defoamers, which promote the disintegration of the shells of gas bubbles and also absorb gases (for example, Simethicone from Consumed). Simethicone not only helps break down gas bubbles, but also prevents their subsequent formation.The substance is harmless, since it is not absorbed in the intestine, but is excreted unchanged.

However, for newborns and babies, neither option is suitable. Babies cannot swallow pills. The carminative for children, proven by generations, is a legacy of traditional medicine – dill water. You can prepare it yourself (two tablespoons of dill seeds per 300 ml of boiling water, leave for three hours), or you can buy a concentrate ready-made – dill water concentrate for babies with bloating is in the Consumed assortment.

There are also lemon and mint folk remedies for bloating. Basically – decoctions and drinks with the addition of these components.

Dietary supplement. NOT A MEDICINE. BEFORE USING IT IS RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT A SPECIALIST.

PEDIAKID® BEBE GAZ – Améliore le confort digestif

Powder for dilution for children based on prebiotic fibers with extracts of fennel, chamomile, peppermint and lemon balm.Eliminates bloating and improves digestive comfort.

In newborns and young children, gastrointestinal discomfort is not uncommon, rather the opposite. The digestive system is still immature and the large amount of fluid absorbed during the day creates discomfort. PEDIAKID® Bebe Gaz combines natural plant extracts to gently target intestinal gases and improve digestive comfort.

Packing: 12 sticks.

Recommended intake: 1-2 sachets per day. Dissolve the contents of the sachet in mineral water (20-30 ml) for consumption between meals or in a bottle of milk (normal volume) for consumption with meals. Preferably use within one hour of preparation or within 12 hours if refrigerated. Suitable for babies and young children.

Storage conditions : keep out of reach of children, protected from heat and moisture.It is recommended not to exceed the recommended dosage. It is advisable to use it before the date indicated on the package.

Ingredients: Base: maltodextrin, inulin, dextrose, fennel extract (fruit), peppermint aerial extract, lemon balm leaf extract, chamomile flower extract, emulsifier: silicon dioxide.

Gluten Free

Nutritional and energy value: 2 sticks (4.42 g) contain, on average: :

• Energy value: 7.6 kcal (31.7 kJ)
• Fats: insignificant amount
• 90 250 W incl.including saturated: insignificant amount
• Total Carbohydrates: 1.9g
• Incl. sugar: 1.6 g
• Inulin fibers: 1 g
• Proteins: insignificant amount
• Salt: minor amount
• Fennel extract: 200 mg (** eq.1000 mg)
• Peppermint extract: 10 mg (** eq. 10 mg)
• Lemon balm extract: 10 mg (** eq. 50 mg)
• Chamomile extract: 10 mg (** eq. 40 mg)

** Equivalent dry plants

Espumisan ® – Oh, those bubbles and gases

With flatulence, one way or another, it is necessary
to face everyone.Babies cry from gaziks, complain of pain in
children in their stomachs, adults blush painfully and ashamed of awkwardness …
is the “extra” air in the intestine taken?

In a healthy person, more than 3 liters of gas pass through the intestines per day, with
with each sip, about 2-3 ml of food enters the gastrointestinal tract
air. To this air is added the gas that forms in the stomach in
as a result of exposure to gastric juice, which is based on salt
acid on certain foods and beverages.Produce gases and bacteria
living in the intestines. And all this gas mixture in a healthy person is absorbed
through the intestinal wall into the blood or, to a lesser extent, exits together with
feces.

The composition of the gas mixture that is released through the rectum can be
very different. It depends on the individual characteristics of the person and on the composition
intestinal microflora. The mixture is usually based on nitrogen, which is not
absorbed in the intestines. In addition to him, there is oxygen, carbon dioxide,
hydrogen and methane.Indole, skatole, ammonia,
phenols, hydrogen sulfide compounds and other substances formed in the process
digestion in the colon.

In the gastrointestinal tract, gases are in the form of a kind of foam,
covered with a layer of mucus, which allows them to move through the intestines.

Gas attack

If too much gas is generated or is disturbed
the process of their absorption and movement through the intestines, flatulence occurs. it
painful syndrome may appear at:

• Aerophagy, excessive swallowing of air.Conversations while eating, too
  rapid absorption of food, a nervous breakdown (hysteria), in which a person
  swallows air by mouth, etc.
• violation of digestive processes in the intestine. As a rule, this is accompanied by
  almost any gastroenterological disease
• slowing down the movement of food through the intestines. This could be the result
  immaturity of the digestive tract, intestinal dysregulation, etc.

And this is only a small part of the conditions that can be accompanied by
flatulence.

Excessive flatulence in the intestines is always the same: bloating
abdomen, rumbling and pain, uncontrolled passing of gas. Pain with flatulence
can be both constantly pulling and acute, spastic. It arises in
as a result of hyperextension of the intestinal wall and an increase in intraintestinal
pressure. Bloating gases in the intestines disrupt peristalsis, resulting in some
the intestine turns out to be stretched, and the other – spasmodic. It makes the pain worse
and provokes rumbling, which occurs with the accelerated passage of food and
gases in the narrowed (spasmodic) area of ​​the intestine.

“Why don’t the pills help?”

Pain and bloating are not the only problems
which carries with it an excess of gases in the intestines.

Dense bubble foam “clogs up” the mucous membrane
intestines. As a result, digestion processes are disrupted, because food cannot
Break through the foam barrier and be absorbed. This increases gassing – and
no means can break this vicious circle, because
because of the foam covering the intestines, drugs are in the “dead zone”.They are,
like food, they cannot be sufficiently absorbed and begin to act.