Excessive Gas: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Every human being has gas and this is natural. But when the gas causes unusual symptoms, these may require medical attention. So, learn more about it here.
Written by
Last updated on 8th May, 2025
Gas and bloating are two common digestive problems that can cause major discomfort in daily life. While gas is the natural by-product of digestion, bloating is the sensation of fullness or tightness in the stomach due to excessive gas. The human digestive system, comprising the GI tract and the stomach, breaks down food items with enzymes and absorbs nutrients into the body. However, when this natural process faces disruption, it leads to gas and bloating. Even though both gas and bloating are natural and not life-threatening, prolonged episodes can cause harm.
Common Causes of Gas
The common causes of gas include some specific dietary habits such as eating too fast, sucking on candies, chewing gum, talking while chewing, smoking, wearing loose-fitting dentures, and drinking through a straw.
Also, digestive disorders are the major causes of gas. For instance –
Lactose intolerance causes gas. People with this digestive disorder experience digestive symptoms after consuming foods or drinks with lactose.
Another cause is dietary fructose intolerance, which causes digestive symptoms after eating foods/drinks with fructose.
Also, other digestive issues such as intestinal pseudo-obstruction, constipation, gastroparesis, celiac disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease cause gas.
Blockage or obstruction in the digestive tract that causes ovarian, stomach or colorectal cancer creates gas.
Foods That Cause Gas
Specific high-fibre foods such as whole grains, beans and peas, vegetables, and fruits cause gas.
Other foods causing gas include –
Carbonated beverages such as beer and soda
Sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners such as mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol
Fibre supplements incorporating psyllium, such as Metamucil
How does the Body Produce Gas?
The body produces gas through aerophagia and fermentation in the intestines. Aerophagia is a Greek word that means 'air (aero) eater (phagia)'. It happens when someone swallows too much air and collects it within the gut. As a result, it produces unpleasant symptoms.
Usually, people inhale a small amount of air while talking, chewing, or eating, and it is not bad as it helps with digestion. But the problem arises when someone swallows a more significant amount of air than usual, and it leads to symptoms like –
Bloated stomach
Excessive flatulence
Distended abdomen
Repetitive burping
Also, when the bacteria ferment carbohydrates in the large intestine (colon), it creates gas.
Consult Top General Gastroenterologist
Digestive Conditions Associated with Gas
Other digestive conditions are also associated with gas. These are –
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that causes a group of symptoms. These symptoms include repeated abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. As a result, the person suffers from constipation, diarrhoea, or both.
Celiac Disease: It is a chronic digestive and immune disorder that damages the small intestine when eating gluten-rich foods. It can cause long-lasting digestive issues and a barrier to the body's ability to get enough nutrients.
Medical Conditions Contributing to Gas
Some well-known medical conditions can contribute to gas, too. These are –
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
It is a medical condition in which stomach acid recursively flows back into the oesophagus—the tube connecting the stomach and mouth. When a person swallows, the lower oesophageal sphincter (a circular band of muscle that stays around the bottom of the oesophagus) becomes flexible enough to pass foods and liquids into the stomach easily. Then, the sphincter closes.
But if the sphincter is not flexible enough or it is weak, this stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. This continuous acid backwash irritates and often causes inflammation, ultimately causing GERD.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Generally, the small intestine contains a small amount of bacteria due to the presence of bile and the rapid flow of other contents. But when the amount of bacteria increases abnormally exceeds, it is called SIBO. It occurs due to the complications of abdominal surgery, structural problems in the small intestine, or other medical conditions. Due to these conditions, the passage of foods and waste products in the digestive tract becomes narrower. As a result, the overall bacterial population increases. It leads to diarrhoea, malnutrition, and weight loss.
How to Diagnose Excessive Gas?
The doctor will diagnose the causes of excessive gas by analysing the medical history and conducting some physical exams.
So, first, they will ask the medical history of the patient, including –
The symptoms of gas
The eating, drinking, and dietary habits
Current and past medical conditions
Usage of over-the-counter medications, supplements, and prescription medication of the patient
After that, the doctor will conduct a physical exam. It will include –
Checking the enlargement or swelling of the abdomen
Listening to the sound of the abdomen using a stethoscope
Tapping on the abdomen to check if there is any pain and tenderness or listening to a drum-like sound that signs the presence of gas in the digestive tract
Also, they might conduct a digital rectal exam
Finally, the doctor may order laboratory tests such as stool tests, blood tests, or X-rays to check for signs of other health issues. The doctor may also recommend other tests if they suspect a specific health condition that is causing gas.
Treatment and Management of Gas
Healthcare providers always recommend dietary changes for people who suffer from gas. For instance, they may recommend eating smaller and more frequent meals and drinking plenty of water. Besides, they may also ask individuals that triggers this condition, which include –
Cruciferous vegetables: Cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and collard greens
Legumes: Peas, beans, and lentils
Foods and drinks containing lots of fructose, lactose, or fibre
Gums and sugar-free candies which incorporate sweeteners
Also, there are some over-the-counter remedies, such as –
Alpha-galactosidase: These help to break the carbohydrates in vegetables and beans. e.g. Beano
Simethicone: They break the gas bubbles and help to pass the gas through the digestive tract. e.g. Gas-X
Lactase Supplements: They help digest the sugar in dairy products. e.g. Lactaid
Activated Charcoal: These medications may reduce the symptoms of gas, but there is a lack of evidence. e.g. CharcoCaps
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes
The individuals should follow the following tips to reduce gas symptoms without medical intervention –
Exercise or walk around. It may help to expel trapped gas.
Certain yoga poses, such as Pawanmuktasana (wind-relieving pose), Balasana (child's pose), and Ananda Balasana (happy baby pose), prove to be helpful.
Drink non-carbonated liquids such as warm water or herbal tea.
Mix one of these natural kitchen ingredients - coriander, turmeric, fennel, caraway, or anise in warm water and drink.
Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink.
Try a gentle massage on the painful spot to stimulate the gas downward and finally out of the body.
Conclusion
Generally, gas occurs due to aerophagia or when the bacteria of the colon break undigested foods. This is quite natural in human beings and can be prevented with certain lifestyle modifications. However, some people produce excessive amounts of gas, and they suffer from abdominal pain or other symptoms. These cases require medical attention. Otherwise, there is a chance of forming other complications. The doctors will suggest dietary changes and some medications to get over this condition and improve quality of life.
Consult Top General Gastroenterologist
Consult Top General Gastroenterologist
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bangalore
Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
Dr Rohit Sureka
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
19 Years • MBBS, DNB General Medicine, DNB Gastroenterology
Jaipur
Triveni Gastro Care, Jaipur
Dr. Paramesh K N
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MS ( General Surgery), DNB ( Surgical Gastroenterology)
Hyderabad
Sprint Diagnostics Centre, Hyderabad
Dr. Vijay Rai
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
19 Years • MBBS,MD General Medicine,MD GASTROENTOLOGY
Kolkata
Livgastro, Kolkata
Dr. Lokesh L V
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
20 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Gastroenterology
Bengaluru
Vedanta super speciality centre, Bengaluru
Consult Top General Gastroenterologist
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bangalore
Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
Dr Rohit Sureka
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
19 Years • MBBS, DNB General Medicine, DNB Gastroenterology
Jaipur
Triveni Gastro Care, Jaipur
Dr. Paramesh K N
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MS ( General Surgery), DNB ( Surgical Gastroenterology)
Hyderabad
Sprint Diagnostics Centre, Hyderabad
Dr. Vijay Rai
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
19 Years • MBBS,MD General Medicine,MD GASTROENTOLOGY
Kolkata
Livgastro, Kolkata
Dr. Lokesh L V
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
20 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Gastroenterology
Bengaluru
Vedanta super speciality centre, Bengaluru
