Everyone has gas. Burping and “passing gas” are normal; they are side effects of digestion. Some people believe they pass gas too often or have too much gas, but this is a rare condition.
Most of the time, gas in the body is odorless. The odor of passed gas comes from sulfur made by bacteria in the large intestine.
Sometimes gas causes bloating and pain. This occurs when gas is trapped in the digestive system and cannot move through the system freely. Most times, gas can be managed by dietary adjustments and over-the-counter medications. Severe gas build-up and pain may, however, be signs of celiac disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Changing what you eat and drink can help prevent or reduce gas. You may want to try these strategies before making an appointment at Orlando Gastroenterology.
The amount of gas caused by certain foods varies from person to person. Keep track of what you eat and the amount of gas produced. Common gas-producing foods include:
Write down the foods that seem to produce the most gas. Note the quantities of those foods that you consume. Keep track of the number of times you pass gas each day.
If you are still troubled by gas after implementing the strategies above, see your doctor at Orlando Gastroenterology. Take your diary so that you can discuss eating habits and symptoms with the doctor. He or she may run tests to identify possible Irritable Bowel Syndrome or celiac disease.
If you notice any of the signs below, please see one of the physicians at Orlando Gastroenterology:
If you experience chest pain or numbness in your hands or feet that accompanies gas, see a doctor quickly. These can be signs of heart problems.