How to Identify the Common Signs of Excessive Gas and Flatulence

Recognizing the Signs of Excessive Gas

We all pass gas on occasion, but excessive or smelly flatulence can indicate bigger issues. Learning to identify symptoms of bad gas is key to getting the relief you need and determining if an underlying condition may be to blame.

What Causes Excessive Gas?

Gas comes from two main sources:

• Swallowing air when eating or drinking
• Gas produced by gut bacteria during digestion

Typically, the body passes up to 4 pints of gas daily through belching or flatulence. But many factors can disrupt healthy digestion resulting in greater than normal gas production including:

Diet Triggers

• Beans, lentils, broccoli, onions, apples
• Carbonated beverages
• Artificial sweeteners
• Too much fiber without enough water

Swallowing Excess Air

• Talking while eating
• Chewing gum
• Eating too fast
• Using a straw
• Smoking

Gut Issues

• Food sensitivities like lactose intolerance
• IBS - irritable bowel syndrome
• SIBO - small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• Celiac disease
• Crohns disease
• Ulcerative colitis

How to Tell You Have Excessive Gas

Monitor for these common signs of bad gas:

• Burping more than 3 times after a meal
• Passing gas over 20 times per day
• Loud flatulence you cant control
• Cramps, bloating, stomach pains
• Heartburn, nausea, diarrhea
• Fatigue, mood changes from discomfort

Achieving Gas Relief Through Diet & Lifestyle

Making targeted changes to your diet and daily habits can go a long way towards finding gas relief through reducing intake of gas-forming foods and beverages and addressing conditions contributing to excessive flatulence like air swallowing, food intolerances, and gut issues.

The Low FODMAP Diet Approach

FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligo-, Di- and Monosaccharides and Polyols. These are carbs that may be poorly absorbed intestinally in some people. Bacteria in the gut then ferment them producing hydrogen, methane, and gas. Studies show a low FODMAP diet can dramatically decrease symptoms of excess gas.

Foods to Limit

• Fructose - fruit, high fructose corn syrup, honey
• Lactose - dairy
• Fructans - wheat, garlic, onions
• Galactans - beans, lentils, soy
• Polyols - stone fruits, artificial sweeteners

Foods to Enjoy

• Gluten-free grains - rice, quinoa, oats
• Certain fruits - banana, orange, grapes
• Vegetables - carrots, zucchini, tomato
• Meat, fish, eggs
• Hard cheeses, lactose-free milk

This diet change helps determine personal food intolerances contributing to excessive gas.

More Tips for Preventing Gas

Implement these lifestyle adjustments as well:

• Eat slower and chew thoroughly
• Check for undiagnosed food allergies
• Take daily walks to stimulate digestion
• Manage stress with yoga, meditation
• Quit smoking and minimize carbonated drinks

When to See Your Doctor About Gas

Despite diet and behavior changes, persistent excessive gas can indicate a more serious health condition requiring medical attention. See your doctor if you experience:

• Diarrhea or constipation lasting over 2 weeks
• Blood in stool
• Unintended weight loss
• Fever, vomiting, joint pain
• Family history of celiac disease or IBS

Testing may identify infections like SIBO, parasites, gallbladder or pancreas disorders, gastrointestinal cancers or other illnesses with excessive gas as a common symptom.

Available Treatment Options

Based on evaluation of your symptoms and test results, your doctor can suggest treatment approaches such as:

• Eliminating culprit foods
• Prescription medications
• Probiotic supplements
• Surgery if a physical blockage present

Getting excessive gas under control again significantly improves quality of life. Dont hesitate to seek medical guidance if over-the-counter options dont provide lasting relief from flatulence discomforts.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.