Risk factors
You're more likely to have problems with gas if you:
Are lactose or
gluten intolerant
Eat a diet rich in
fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes
Have a chronic
intestinal condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis or
inflammatory bowel disease
Preparing for your appointment
Because appointments can be brief, it's a good idea to come
prepared.
What you can do
Write down any
symptoms you're experiencing, including the frequency of your gas and the
intensity of your abdominal pain.
Write down your
key medical information, including any other health problems and the names of
any medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking.
Write down your
questions for the doctor.
For gas and gas pains, some basic questions to ask your
doctor include:
What is the most
likely cause of my signs and symptoms?
Are there any
other possible causes?
Do I need any
tests?
What treatments or
home remedies might help me feel better?
Should I limit or
avoid certain foods or drinks?
Are there any
other lifestyle changes that could help prevent gas pains?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask
your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will likely have questions for you, too. He or
she may ask:
How long have you
noticed an increase in gas or gas pains?
How many times do
you pass gas each day?
Does eating
certain foods seem to trigger your symptoms?
Have you added any
new foods or drinks to your diet recently?
Have you been
diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome or another intestinal condition?
Are you currently
taking any antibiotics or other medications?
Do you have nausea
or vomiting with your gas pains?
Do you frequently
chew gum, suck on candies or drink through a straw?
Do you have gas
when you drink milk or milk products?
What you can do in the meantime
Before your appointment, keep a journal of the food and
beverages you eat, how many times a day you pass gas, and any other symptoms
you experience. Bring the journal to your appointment. It can help your doctor
determine whether there's a connection between your gas or gas pains and your
diet.
Tests and diagnosis
Your doctor will likely determine what's causing your gas
and gas pains based on your medical history, a review of your dietary habits
and a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor may check to see if your
abdomen is distended and listen for a hollow sound when your abdomen is tapped.
A hollow sound usually indicates the presence of excess gas.
Depending on your other symptoms, your doctor may recommend
further tests in order to rule out conditions that are more serious, such as
partial bowel obstruction.
Treatments and drugs
If your gas pains are caused by another health problem,
treating the underlying condition may offer relief. Otherwise, bothersome gas
is generally treated with dietary measures, lifestyle modifications or
over-the-counter medications. Although the solution isn't the same for
everyone, with a little trial and error, most people are able to find some relief.
Some recommendations for preventing gas pains from the Harvard Medical School's
Family Health Guide include:
Eat in an
environment where you can be relaxed to help reduce flatulence & burping.
Chew slowly and
thoroughly. Gas can be a sign of undigested food.
Take a short walk
after eating to prevent gas from accumulating and can help stimulate the
passage of gas through the digestive tract.
Avoid common food
sources of gas including artificial sweeteners, carbonated beverages, alcohol,
sugar-free candies or chewing gum, and dairy products. Also, (due to their
fiber content) foods like brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, onions,
artichokes, asparagus, prunes, bran cereals or muffins, and whole-wheat bread
can also cause gas.
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