It’s normal to have gas, which is excess air that your body pushes out. Sometimes, gas causes bloating and pain. How much gas your body makes and how sensitive you are to it can impact how you feel about it. There are circumstances when gas is abnormal.
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Gas & Gas Pain
Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.
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What is it?
Symptoms
Symptoms of gas include:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating
When to see a doctor
Occasional abdominal distress such as cramping, bloating or gas often resolve on their own. If your symptoms have not improved within a few days or if they persist, it’s time to see a doctor.
Causes and risk factors
Most of the time, gas is caused by swallowing air, digestion and intestinal bacteria.
Risk factors for the development of gas include:
- Eating certain gas-producing foods
- Drinking carbonated beverages like soda and beer
- Breathing in too much air
Treatment options
If you have persistent or unresolved gas issues, you may benefit from:
- Following a special diet and avoiding certain foods that cause gas
- Limiting carbonated beverages
- Reducing the amount of air you swallow by quitting smoking, eating slower and avoiding chewing gum
Testing
Your doctor can help you determine if you have excess gas and come up with a treatment plan.
Prevention
You may not be able to prevent gas. If it’s a problem for you, consider writing down the foods you eat. This can help you identify any foods you’re more sensitive to. You can also keep track of the number of times you pass gas each day.