Millions of people around the world mistake stomach gas for a serious disorder and rush to general practitioners. However, there can be numerous causes of stomach gas. Read on to know more about it.
Everyone gets gas while swallowing air through eating or drinking. An individual passes gas around 20-15 times a day; through the rectum or the mouth. Burps allow the gas to release and relieve bloating and any correlated uneasiness.
Stomach gas is not usually concerning. However, if the individuals feel pain, it can be an indication of any underlying gastrointestinal condition that requires proper medical attention.
Table of Contents
What causes stomach gas?
Gas in the stomach is caused when you swallow air when eating or drinking. However, most of this gas is released when you burp. A diet high in fiber foods can increase the production of gas.
Gas forms in the large intestine when bacteria ferment carbohydrates, fibers, starches, and sugars in the large intestine. These are the gases that aren’t digested in the small intestine.
Dietary Causes
Common foods that can cause gas include:
- Broccoli
- Noodles/Pasta
- Milk and related products
- Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Cabbage
Other dietary factors that contribute to an increase in gas in the digestive system include:
- Carbonated beverages, for example, soda and beer.
- Eating habits such as talking while chewing, sucking on candies, chewing gum, drinking through a straw, and eating too quickly also result in swallowing more air, leading to stomach gas.
- Fiber supplements can also increase colon gas.
- Sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners found in sugar-free foods and beverages also cause excess gas in the colon.
Medical causes
There are certain medical conditions that also lead to an increase in intestinal gas, gas pain, and bloating.
- Chronic intestinal disease: Excess gas is often a symptom of an underlying intestinal condition, for example, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and diverticulitis.
- Small bowel bacterial overgrowth: This condition causes an increase or change in the bacteria in the small intestine, leading to weight loss, diarrhea, and excess gas.
- Food intolerances: Gas occurs when the digestive system is unable to break down and absorb certain foods, for example, foods that are high in dairy products and proteins including gluten in wheat and grains.
- Constipation: This may make it difficult to pass gas, resulting in gas pains.
Other Causes
Research has found a link between smoking and gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Hence, smokers are at risk of developing problems of trapped gas and gas pain.
Signs and symptoms of gas
Gas is uncomfortable but it is not life-threatening. Most people pass gas via burping, during or after a meal. Burping may be inconvenient; however, it is rarely a sign of a medical problem. The symptoms of gas include:
- Distension; an observable increase in the size of the abdomen
- Stomach cramps
- A sense of fullness or bloating
- Chest pain
- Pain in abdomen
- Burping
When to seek help?
If the pain gets severe and hinders the everyday routine, in addition to the following symptoms, the individual should refer to a doctor immediately.
- Constant fluctuation in body mass
- Change in bowel habits
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Pain in the chest
- Vomiting
- Blood in the urine
- Bloody stool
- Difficulty in eating
- Feeling fatigued all the time
Dietary changes to prevent stomach gas
You should try to lower the intake of food items, such as:
- Chewing gums
- Fizzy drinks
- High fiber food
- Food high in carbohydrates
Lifestyle changes to prevent stomach gas
Following changes to your lifestyle can help reduce the problem of stomach gas or prevent it from reoccurring.
- Try to quit smoking
- Developing the habit of walking and stretching
- Proper chewing of food
- Using a heating pad
How to Remove Gas From Stomach Instantly
Certain home remedies can provide instant relief from stomach gas. These include:
- Moving or walking around can help pass out the trapped gas
- Light exercise or yoga
- Gently massaging the affected area
- Drinking warm water or herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, or chamomile tea
- Use of herbs and spices like fennel seeds, turmeric, coriander, and cumin seeds
- Drinking a cup of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- Use of peppermint oil and peppermint supplements
- Consuming clove oil
- Taking activated charcoal tablets after meals
Conclusion
It is important that you speak with your healthcare provider or gastroenterologist if the gas pains are persistent and severe and interfere with your ability to function well in your daily life. If the gas pains are accompanied by other signs and symptoms, it may indicate a more serious condition.
