Gas and Bloating
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Gas is air that collects in your digestive system (stomach or intestines). Bloating is the tight, full feeling you get from too much gas.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- You have blood in your bowel movement.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- Your abdominal pain does not go away or gets worse
- You vomit or have diarrhea.
- You lose weight without trying.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Gas relief medicines help decrease gas pain and bloating. These are available without a doctor's order.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage or prevent gas and bloating:
- Keep a record. Write down what you eat and drink and how often you pass gas each day.
- Eat slowly and chew your food well. This will help you swallow less air. Foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs do not cause gas. Avoid processed or salty foods. Avoid foods that you know make you feel gassy or bloated.
- Drink liquids as directed. You may need to drink more liquids than usual. Liquids such as water help your intestines move food through. Teas such as peppermint, chamomile, or fennel may help reduce gas. Do not drink beer, soda, or other carbonated drinks. Do not drink through a straw.
- Be physically active. Physical activity, such as walking, can help relieve gas and bloating. Your healthcare provider can help you create a physical activity plan.
- Do not smoke cigarettes or chew gum. These can cause you to swallow air. Avoid hard candy.
- Make sure your dentures fit properly. Have your dentures fixed if they are loose. Loose dentures can cause you to swallow too much air.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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