Gas Overview

Gas is a byproduct of the foods that we consume. As the digestive system breaks down our meal, it produces gas. It is a composition of carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and methane. It is eliminated by the body either through the mouth or the anus. A human being is known to pass gas about 20 times in a day. The occurrence of the gas is normal, but this is an activity that can be painful and even socially embarrassing.

Gas is a common problem that can occur in people of any age group. Some of its prominent symptoms are a bulging stomach and pressure in the stomach. The main culprits behind this are the eating habits of the person who is experiencing it. Some eating habits such as swallowing food before chewing it properly, eating untimely meals, drinking excess water in between the meals and consumption of spicy food ultimately results in gastric trouble. Eating food items kept at the extreme temperatures also results in gas formation. Apart from eating habits, it can be a result of mental or psychological stress.

As such, this problem is not very serious but the bloating can be pretty uncomfortable. In case of excessive gas formation, the situation could become downright painful. It is not usually a sign of serious illness, still an excess of it can be a warning sign of an underlying medical issue. Excessive gas can also be a sign of an abnormality with the digestive system. There are no major physical manifestations of it, except the fact that it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. 

Gas is produced usually due to two causes. One is when we swallow air and the other is when the bacteria in the large intestine release small amounts of gases containing sulfur in the course of their normal working. It is known that carbohydrates are troublesome sources of gas formation. It is hard for our small intestine to digest certain carbohydrates due to the lack of enzymes that aid in its digestion. As a result, food moves in the undigested state from the small intestine to the large intestine. It is also a fact that every person won’t suffer from gas by eating the same food. What actually contributes to gas formation is the amount of air swallowed while eating and drinking. Some of it is released by burping while some of it goes into the small or large intestine which is then eventually released as flatulence. Foods that are most likely to cause gas are carbohydrates which are present in foods such as beans, vegetables, whole grain foods, aerated drinks and fruit drinks.

The symptoms of gas and gas pain are very obvious. They include voluntary or involuntary passing of gas as belches or as flatus. Sometimes it is accompanied by sharp, jabbing pains or cramps in the abdomen. Swelling and tightness in the abdomen might also be experienced. Once the gas is expelled, pain often disappears. In case the pain is intense, then this might be the sign of something serious.

The problem of gas can be easily prevented by making certain modifications to your lifestyle. One should make sure to eat smaller meals. It is recommended to eat several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. It is important to eat slowly by chewing the food thoroughly. Eating as a response to anxiety or depression should be avoided. Poorly fitted dentures can also lead to swallowing excess air while eating and drinking. Smoking can also increase the amount of air swallowed. A sufficient involvement in physical activity will also be a great help to get rid of this problem. For diagnosis, a physical exam and certain diagnostic tests are performed. It is important to eliminate other serious medical conditions. A blood or a breath test may be recommended by the doctor if lactose intolerance is suspected. Depending on the suspected causes, other tests may be recommended including X-ray, computed imaging or an ultrasound of the abdomen.

Gas is generally treated with the alterations in diet, lifestyle modifications or with the help of over the counter medications. It is recommended to avoid foods that are usually suspected to cause gas problems. These include beans, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, artichokes, asparagus, pears, peaches, sugar-free candies and chewing gum. There are certain drinks that must be avoided like iced milk, beer, sodas and other carbonated beverages. Cutting back on the amount of fiber intake is also beneficial. Over the counter remedies that can be beneficial include Beano. Adding it to beans and vegetables help reduce the amount of gas they produce in your digestive system. The products that contain simethicone work great to break up the bubbles in gas. Charcoal tablets also may help.