Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Gas

Gas is a common problem that we all have suffered from at some point in our lives. It is caused by the build-up of gas which is usually released through burping, belching, bloating or passing gas. While suffering from gas issues is common, if you are passing gas way more than usual it could be a sign of something more serious.
There are multiple signs that can alert you about a serious complication that your body may be suffering from. These signs are very easily identified by way of smell, sound, and feel and hence, can be simply noticed. If you think your body is showing signs of a severe problem, consider getting yourself checked while also regulating your diet and lifestyle. Read on to find out the various causes as well as symptoms of gas and what one can do to cure it.

Causes of Gas

Gas usually accumulates inside your body when you swallow air. Another cause for gas is the breaking down of undigested food in the large intestine by bacteria. All in all, swallowing more air or consuming certain foods can increase the gas in your body.

Swallowing of Air

Swallowed air may not leave your stomach through burping or passing gas. This may be due to the inability of the intestine to expel it. The gas that is thus, accumulated in the body causes discomfort and pain. Carbonated drinks, fizzy drinks, talking while eating, chewing gum, eating too fast, wearing ill-fitted dentures as well as smoking can result in you swallowing more air.

Consuming Aerogenic Food

There are certain food items as well as drinks that generate air in the body. Foods that can cause gas are legumes, protein-rich food, asparagus, cabbage, beans, kidney beans, and whole grains. Drinks that can increase gas in the body are apple juice, pear juice, carbonated drinks, and milk.

Bacteria Overgrowth in Intestine

Your small intestine, as well as stomach, does not fully digest some of the carbohydrates, sugars, and fibres you consume. During the breakdown of this food, gas is formed and if produced in excess, you can notice the symptoms of gas accumulation. An increase in bacterial growth, as well as a change in the type of bacteria, can lead to increased gas and also, diarrhoea.

Symptoms of Gas

Symptoms of gas are many and can vary in degree of seriousness from burping and passing gas to bloating and discomfort in the abdomen.

Mild Symptoms

Belching and passing gas are common and harmless symptoms when compared to others. Burping once or twice is normal during or after meals. But if you see the number increasing, you’re probably swallowing too much air and releasing it before it even reaches your stomach. Passing gas 13- 21 times a day is normal, however, anything more requires a visit to the doctor.

Severe Symptoms

Bloating and pain in the stomach are severe symptoms of gas. This results in pain as well as a feeling of fullness that leads to discomfort and frustration. This is because gas does not move through your intestines properly. Other symptoms could include diarrhoea, constipation as well as weight loss.

Ways to Treat Gas

If you are experiencing the above symptoms along with painful passing of gas or a chronic state of foul-smelling flatulence, it is high time you address the issue. Here are some ways to treat gas problems.

Avoid Aerogenic Food

Avoid foods and drinks that increase the production of gas in your stomach. Avoid consuming any food that furthers indigestion or acid production as this may lead to gas and cause bloating and pain in the abdomen.

Eat Slowly

When you drink too much, eat fast or talk while eating, you may be swallowing air that is causing an increase in gas in your body. Slow down when you eat your food and if you wear dentures, check with your dentist if you feel that they are ill-fitted. Improper dentures can increase gas production, especially if wearing them results in you gasping for air quite often.

Consume Water Before Meals

Avoid drinking water while eating food as it dilutes acid in the stomach. The dilution causes indigestion and hampers the breakdown of food. Try drinking water 30 minutes prior to consuming meals to reduce the production of gas.

Over the Counter Treatment

While gas is a very common occurrence, it ends up interrupting your daily schedule. To avoid such a situation, always keep a medication handy. Gas-O- Fast, with its Ayurvedic properties, gives you instant relief from gas problems. It is a herbal mix of Ajwain, Pudina, and Saunf that helps getting rid of gas and indigestion without any side effects.

Conclusion

While gas might seem like a common problem which is harmless, it can eventually develop into a serious issue if left untreated. Therefore, be sure to keep a check on your diet and lifestyle to avoid increasing gas problems. And of course, remember to carry Gas-O-Fast with you to keep gas problems at bay.