Excessive gas can strike at some of the worst possible times — during a big meeting, in a crowded elevator or even on a first date. Good news is, you’re not alone. Gas happens to everyone and is rarely ever serious. There are even things you can do to help reduce gas.
You may be wondering what causes gas in the first place. No, you aren’t just a “gassy person.” Almost always there is a reason why you are experiencing gas, gas pains, bloating and burping. Here are a few to consider.
You’re swallowing too much air
You may not realize it, but there are several things you do absentmindedly that can cause you to swallow excessive amounts of air, which can manifest itself into gas. These include:
- Chewing gum
- Smoking
- Drinking carbonated beverages
- Drinking through a straw
- Eating or drinking quickly
- Sucking on candies or food
- Wearing loose dentures
- Swallowing too often
You’re eating gas-producing foods
There’s a variety of foods that can affect how much gas your body is producing. High-fiber foods can be a major culprit. So can dairy. Sometimes your body can’t break down sugar (lactose) in dairy, or it is intolerant of gluten. When your body can’t absorb certain foods, they pass from the intestine to the colon without being digested. As the bacteria in the colon breaks down the food, they can release gases in the process. Certain foods that can cause excessive gas are:
- Fruits such as apples, peaches and pears
- Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, onions, artichokes and asparagus
- Whole grain foods
- Beans and peas (legumes)
- Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol
- Dairy products
Health conditions can cause gas
Certain health conditions and the medications prescribed for them can contribute to your body’s production of gas. These include:
- Lactose intolerance
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Peptic ulcer disease
Signs you have gas
For most people, the symptoms of excessive gas are quite obvious. But to clarify, they include:
- Voluntary or involuntary passing of gas in the form of belches or flatus
- “Knotted” sensations in your stomach or other parts of your abdomen
- Sharp pains or cramps in your abdomen
- Bloating or swelling sensations
When to see a doctor
Though passing gas is normal, there are instances where the symptoms of gas can actually be a warning sign that something else is going on. Gas can sometimes be mistaken for gallstones, appendicitis and heart disease. Call your doctor if your gas is accompanied by:
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
- Prolonged abdominal pain
- Bloody stools
- Persistent or recurrent nausea or vomiting
- Change in stool color or frequency
If you have been experiencing problems with excessive gas and bloating, call the gastroenterology specialists at Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates today at (908) 483-4000 to schedule your appointment.
