Intestinal Gas

Gas-related complaints include belching, bloating, a visibly swollen abdomen, cramping, and passing gas frequently. Common contributors include carbonated drinks, eating quickly, chewing gum, and foods rich in fermentable carbohydrates — beans, lentils, onions, broccoli, cabbage, and some fruits. Milk products cause gas in people with lactose intolerance, and sugar substitutes such as sorbitol are frequent culprits as well.

Most gas complaints can be evaluated with a careful history, a food and symptom diary, and a physical examination. If symptoms persist or are unusual, your gastroenterologist may check for lactose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth with breath testing, screen for celiac disease with blood work, or recommend imaging or endoscopy when bloating comes with warning signs. The goal is to separate ordinary gas from conditions that can mimic it.

Simple changes help many people: eat more slowly, limit carbonated beverages and gum, and identify trigger foods one at a time rather than cutting out whole food groups at once. Over-the-counter simethicone or enzyme supplements — lactase for dairy, alpha-galactosidase for beans — help some people. If a specific condition such as lactose intolerance, celiac disease, or bacterial overgrowth is found, treating it directly usually improves the gas.

Make an appointment if bloating or gas pain is persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily life, or if changes at home have not helped. Seek evaluation promptly if gas symptoms come with unintended weight loss, blood in the stool, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or a change in bowel habits — those features point beyond ordinary gas.