Why do I have gas?
Everyone has gas. Burping and “passing gas” is normal. But because it is embarrassing, many people believe they pass gas too often or have too much gas. A person actually having too much gas is rare.
Most of the time, gas in the body is odourless. The odour of passed gas comes from sulphur made by bacteria in the large intestine. Sometimes gas causes bloating and pain. Not everyone has these symptoms. How much gas the body makes and how sensitive a person is to gas in the large intestine have an effect on how uncomfortable one feels.
What are some symptoms and problems of gas?
The most common symptoms of gas are, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, and belching. However, not everyone experiences these symptoms. The type and degree of symptoms probably depends on how much gas the body produces, how many fatty acids the body absorbs, and a person's sensitivity to gas in the large intestine.
Belching
An occasional belch during or after meals is normal and releases gas when the stomach is full of food. However, people who belch frequently may be swallowing too much air and releasing it before the air enters the stomach...
Abdominal Bloating
Many people believe that too much gas causes abdominal bloating. However, people who complain of bloating from gas often have normal amounts and distribution of gas. They may just be unusually aware of gas in the digestive tract..
Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
Some people have pain when gas is present in the intestine. When pain is on the left side of the colon, it can be confused with heart disease, which sometimes causes abdominal pain. When the pain is on the right side of the colon, it may mimic gallstones or appendicitis.
What about the diagnosis?
There is no test to diagnose buy your doctor will rule out some other diseases which may be similar or cause gas like lactose intolerance, IBS and to certain extent Crohn’s disease.
Your doctor will ask you about your diet history.
What can I do about gas?
Changing what you eat and drink can help prevent or reduce gas. If you feel like you have too much gas, you might want to try these things before going to the doctor.
1. Cut down on foods that cause gas.
The amount of gas caused by certain foods varies from person to person. The only way to know your own limits is to keep track of what you eat and how much gas it causes later. Some foods that cause gas are
· beans
· vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, onions, artichokes, and asparagus
· fruits such as pears, apples, and peaches
· whole grains such as whole wheat and bran
· soft drinks and fruit drinks
· milk and milk products such as cheese and ice cream
· packaged foods that contain lactose, a type of sugar; bread, cereal, and salad dressing are examples
· dietetic foods and sugar-free candies and gums
2. Drink plenty of water and clear soup but not “fizzy” liquids.
Try not to drink liquids that cause gas, like soda and beer.
3. Reduce the amount of air you swallow.
Here are some ways to avoid swallowing air:
· Eat slower and chew more to cut down on the amount of air you swallow when you eat.
· Avoid chewing gum and eating hard candy.
· If you smoke, try to cut down or quit.
· If you have false teeth, see your dentist to make sure they fit right.
4. Keep a diary.
Write down the foods, and the amounts, that seem to cause you the most problems. Also keep track of the number of times you pass gas each day.
If you are still troubled by gas, you may want to see your doctor. Take your diary with you to help you answer the doctor's questions about eating habits and symptoms.
Niddk.nih.gov
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