OverviewWhat is intestinal gas?Intestinal gas is a mix of odorless vapors, including oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen and methane. This gas forms in the digestive system. When these vapors mix with intestinal bacteria, an unpleasant sulfur odor can develop. Show
Your body releases gas through the mouth (belching) or rectum (flatulence). Sometimes gas gets trapped in the stomach. This gas buildup causes abdominal pain and bloating (a swollen or tight feeling). How common is intestinal gas?Intestinal gas is a fact of life — a natural result of food digestion. Everyone feels gassy now and then. Studies suggest that most people pass gas (fart) up to 21 times per day. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes intestinal gas?Causes of intestinal gas include:
Who might get intestinal gas?Excess gas can make your stomach feel swollen or bloated. You may pass flatulence (sometimes foul smelling). Though uncomfortable, excess gas is rarely a concern. Things that make you produce too much gas include:
What are the symptoms of intestinal gas?Gas symptoms vary depending on the cause. Some typical symptoms of intestinal gas are:
What are the signs of an intestinal gas problem?You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience gas along with:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is intestinal gas diagnosed?Your healthcare provider may ask you to keep a food diary for a week or more to see if certain foods or drinks make you gassy. Because excessive gas can be a sign of a health problem, you may need one or more of these tests:
Management and TreatmentHow is intestinal gas managed or treated?By treating a health condition that causes excessive gas, you can enjoy better health. For occasional gas, your healthcare provider might suggest one of these over-the-counter products:
Prescription medications may help if you have a motility problem like IBS. Antibiotics can treat bacterial overgrowth in the intestines that cause excess gas and bloating. What are the complications of intestinal gas?Extra gas can cause pain, discomfort and embarrassment, but it’s usually not a serious health problem. Gas buildup can sometimes feel more worrisome, though. Gas on the left side of the colon can cause chest pain that you might mistake for a heart attack. Gas buildup on the right side can mimic pain from gallstones or appendicitis. A health professional should check out these symptoms for any concerning underlying cause. PreventionHow can I prevent intestinal gas?Most foods containing carbohydrates can cause gas. A food diary can help you determine which foods make you gassy. But don’t cut out too many things. Many vegetables, fruits, dairy products, wheat products and beans cause gas, but they’re also very good for you. To reduce your body’s gas production, you can:
Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
What questions should I ask my doctor?You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic While intestinal gas is common, the symptoms — belching, flatulence, bloating and stomach discomfort — can be embarrassing and even painful. Gas is sometimes a symptom of a more serious health problem. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. The right treatment can ease gas symptoms so you can go about your day in confidence. Can gas cause pain in the anus?Irritation of the anus or esophagus — People who have irritation around their anus due to hemorrhoids or other problems may also experience more discomfort when they pass gas.
What causes pain from the lower abdomen to the anus?There are three main conditions that cause perianal pain: piles, anal fissures and anal fistulas. Piles, also called haemorrhoids, are swellings that develop inside your back passage (rectum) or around your bottom (anus), which can cause bleeding, irritation and pain.
How do I get rid of gas in my anus?20 ways to get rid of gas pain fast. Let it out. Holding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. ... . Pass stool. A bowel movement can relieve gas. ... . Eat slowly. ... . Avoid chewing gum. ... . Say no to straws. ... . Quit smoking. ... . Choose non-carbonated drinks. ... . Eliminate problematic foods.. What causes lower abdominal and anus pain in females?Painful menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, can feel like cramping of the lower abdomen, with pain in the low back and rectum as well. The prostaglandin hormones are the culprit here. They cause the uterus to contract so it can expel its contents, but higher levels of prostaglandins can cause stronger cramping.
|