Gas and Bloating
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about gas and bloating:
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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Common causes of gas and bloating:
- Swallowing air while you eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke cigarettes
- Certain foods such as pasta, beans, potatoes, or dairy products
- Carbonated drinks, such as soft drinks
- Medical conditions such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or irritable bowel syndrome
Signs and symptoms of gas and bloating:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating that is worse during the day and better at night
- Burping or passing gas more often than usual
- Gurgling noise coming from your abdomen
- Constipation
Seek care immediately 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.
Treatment
depends on the cause. Gas relief medicines may help decrease gas pain and bloating. These are available without a doctor's order. You may need other medicines to control a medical condition. Surgery may be needed if you have a tumor or a problem such as a bowel obstruction.
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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