What is gas? Why is it so common?
Simply put, intestinal gas is the air that is inside our digestive system. When we digest the food we eat, this gas is produced as a byproduct. This is a very natural thing. This gas comes out of our body when we burp (burp) or fart (fart). However, having gas in our stomach doesn't always feel so normal and natural to us, does it? Especially when there is a lot of gas trapped in the stomach. That's when we feel stomach cramps , stomach pain, and a bloated feeling. Sometimes our stomach is so bloated that it feels like a balloon about to burst. When we burp or fart, we feel a little relief, because some of that trapped air is released. But, none of us like to suffer from this stomach gas pain. It can be embarrassing to have a gassy or flatulence, especially when you're out and about in public. Fortunately, there are things we can do to prevent this gas pain before it happens. Having gas in our stomach is a part of life. It's a natural result of digestion. Almost all of us get gassy at some point. It's normal to pass gas about twenty times a day.What are the symptoms of gas pain?
Most people can recognize the symptoms of gas in their stomach. The main symptoms are a feeling of being full of gas, or a feeling of being able to pass air. Although these can be a little uncomfortable when they happen suddenly, they are not something to be afraid of. However, the feeling of gas trapped in the stomach can range from a little discomfort to severe pain. This pain is not limited to one area of the stomach. Trapped gas can feel like pain or pressure in different parts of the body. Gas pain can feel like this:- Your stomach feels soft, full, or distended ( bloating ) (sometimes the stomach may be visibly enlarged and bloated).
- Sharp, stabbing pain or dull, aching pain in the stomach.
- Pain, pressure, or discomfort on your right or left side ( flank pain ).
- Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the upper or lower back.
- Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort.
Imagine, sometimes when the gas on the left side gets stuck,We can easily mistake chest pain for a heart attack. Similarly, when gas is trapped on the right side, we can think that the pain is due to gallstones or appendicitis .If you have any doubts about whether your pain is due to gas or another serious condition, be sure to see a doctor. Although gas pain is usually harmless, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious problem with your digestive system . If you have frequent gas pains or if you have any of the following symptoms along with gas pains, don't ignore it. See a doctor right away. Do you have any of these symptoms along with gas pains? Then be careful!
- Fever.
- Nausea and vomiting .
- Being thin for no reason.
- Diarrhea that continues or starts suddenly.
- Rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, or greasy stools (yellow, oily-looking, foul-smelling stools).
Why do we get this gas and pain?
Gas is a natural part of digestion. Everyone has some gas in their stomach and intestines. When you eat, you swallow a small amount of air. That air gets trapped in your digestive system until you pass gas. Also, the harmless bacteria in your colon break down food as you digest it. Gas is also produced as a byproduct of this process. Much of the gas that comes out when you fart is produced by this process. For most people, gas isn't a major medical problem. But if you have excessive gas, bad-smelling gas, or gas pain, it can be a little bothersome. Here's why gas sometimes turns into gas pain:- You may be swallowing too much air. You may be swallowing too much air suddenly while eating or drinking. You may also be swallowing too much air while eating or talking. Chewing gum, sucking on hard candies, smoking, and wearing dentures that don't fit properly can also cause this.
- You probably eat more gas-producing foods.Most of the time, foods that make you gassy are actually good for you. The downside is that they can cause gas and sometimes even cause gas pain. Beans, potatoes, corn, onions, apples, and foods that are high in fiber in general are prime examples of this. Foods high in sulfur, such as protein-rich foods and vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli, are the ones that usually cause bad-smelling gas.
- You may have an infection. Infections in your intestines can cause excess gas-producing bacteria. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can also cause excess gas. This bacterial overgrowth can cause other symptoms, such as diarrhea and weight loss. It needs to be treated.
- You may have a digestive disorder. For example, conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Celiac Disease, and Lactose Intolerance can make your digestive system work harder, slow down, and produce more gas. Constipation can also cause stool and gas to get stuck in your intestines.
- Some medications you are taking may be slowing down your bowel movements. When your digestive system is slow, there is a greater chance of gas building up in your stomach. Some digestive diseases, as well as some medications, can slow down your bowel movements.
How does a doctor diagnose this gas problem?
Your doctor will do a physical exam, ask about your symptoms, and ask about any medications you are currently taking. They may also ask you to keep a food diary for a few weeks to find out what foods and drinks cause you gas. Usually, this is enough to find the cause of your gas pain.Sometimes the doctor may also do tests like this.
If your doctor suspects that this excessive gas could be a sign of another underlying health condition, you may need to have one or more of these tests:- Blood tests: These tests can identify some gas-causing conditions, such as Celiac Disease.
- Breath test: Special breath tests can detect lactose intolerance and abnormal bacterial growth in the gut.
- Colon screening: A flexible sigmoidoscopy allows your doctor to look at the lower part of your colon and rectum. A colonoscopy allows your doctor to look at the entire large intestine. These tests can help detect digestive disorders such as Crohn's Disease and colon cancer.
- Food elimination: Your doctor may suggest that you try cutting out certain foods for a period of time to see if your gas symptoms improve. For example, if you experience less gas after cutting out dairy products, you may have lactose intolerance. This means that you cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) tract exam: If you have frequent heartburn, your doctor may do an upper GI test, also known as a barium swallow/esophagram. This involves you drinking a liquid that coats your esophagus, stomach, and part of your small intestine with barium. These areas can then be seen clearly on an X-ray.
What can be done to treat this stomach gas and pain?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for gas pain or excessive gas. You may need to make changes to what you eat or drink, or you may need to use over-the-counter (OTC) anti-gas medications. You may have an underlying medical condition that your doctor may need to treat. Your doctor will try to find the cause of your gas problem. But sometimes the cause remains a mystery. But even if there is no clear answer, you can get treatment that will bring you relief.Should we change our eating and drinking habits?
Often, you can treat or prevent gas pain by changing what you eat and drink.- Cut down on high-fiber foods. Many foods that contain carbohydrates, including healthy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans, can cause gas. Keeping a food diary can help you identify which foods cause gas. But don't cut out a lot of them all at once. You need fiber—but not enough to cause stomach pain.
- Reduce or stop drinking carbonated drinks (such as sodas and fizzy drinks). While the bubbles in soda and pop may be nice to your taste, they can cause extra gas in your stomach and cause gas pain. If you have gas pain, it's a good idea to cut out carbonated drinks. Drink water instead. It won't cause extra gas in your stomach, and it can also help prevent constipation - another cause of gas pain.
- Reduce dairy products. Many people who experience excessive gas find that they are ``Lactose Intolerant,'' which means they have difficulty digesting milk and dairy products. You will need to get tested to see if this is the case. In the meantime, try reducing your dairy products, or using ``Lactose-free'' alternatives to see how you feel.
- Try the low FODMAP diet.The low-FODMAP diet replaces carbohydrates that are difficult for your body to digest with more easily digestible alternatives. It also suggests alternatives to sugars that can be difficult for your stomach, such as lactose, fructose (fruit sugar), and artificial sweeteners. This can help you get rid of gas pain without missing out on nutrients.
How you eat and drink is also important!
Just as you can change what you eat and drink, you can also change how you eat and drink. If excessive gas is a problem for you:- Avoid using straws. They cause extra air to enter the stomach.
- Avoid sucking on hard candies or chewing gum. They make you swallow more air.
- Don't talk while eating (if you can't, try to talk less, so you swallow less air).
- Check to see if your dentures or any other oral appliances are properly fitted.
- Instead of eating while moving around, sit down and chew your food slowly.
- Instead of eating several large meals a day, get into the habit of eating small meals frequently.
If you use medications...
For occasional gas problems, your doctor may suggest products such as these that you can buy at the pharmacy:- Alpha-galactosidase (`(Alpha-galactosidase (Beano®))`) : An enzyme that breaks down foods that are difficult to digest.
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®) : For adults with upset stomach and diarrhea.
- Lactase enzymes (Lactaid®) : For those with lactose intolerance.
- Probiotics (`(Probiotics (Culturelle®))`) : Eliminate bad bacteria in the gut.
- Simethicone (Gas-X®, Mylanta®) : Reduces the accumulation of gas in the intestines that causes bloating.
Is it possible to completely stop gas formation in the stomach?
No. Having gas in your stomach is a part of life. There's nothing more human than having to go to the bathroom and having to pass air. However, you can prevent gas pain by being careful about what you eat and drink. Sometimes, you may have an underlying condition that's causing gas, which needs medical attention. If you have gas pain all the time and you're not sure what's causing it, see your doctor.When should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:- Chest or stomach pain can be a sign of a serious condition, such as a heart attack.
- A digestive discomfort that occurs at a time other than during or shortly after eating.
- Severe stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Black, tarry stools or rectal bleeding.
- Being thin for no reason.
What are the important questions to ask the doctor?
You may want to ask your doctor these questions:- Is there a medical condition causing me to have gas?
- What tests can be done to find out what is causing my gas pain?
- What steps can I take to reduce stomach gas?
- What foods and drinks should I avoid?
- How do I tell the difference between gas and something more serious?
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Although gas is common, the symptoms it causes – belching, belching, bloating, and abdominal discomfort – can sometimes be an embarrassing and painful experience. Often, changing what you eat and how you eat can help reduce gas pain. However, sometimes, frequent gas pain can be a sign of a medical condition that needs to be diagnosed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Don’t worry, there are solutions!
Stomach gas, gas pain, bloating, digestion, flatulence, flatulence, health tips
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