Gas & Bloating
Stomach Pain Treatment in Beverly Hills
The occasional bout of gas or bloating is quite normal and nothing to be concerned about. But it’s important to understand these symptoms as they can occasionally be indicative of a more serious underlying condition. If you feel like you have a serious problem due to gas or bloating, contact our medical professionals at Center for GI Health.
Causes of Gas
Gas is a normal condition in which excess air is present in the large or small intestines. For most people, gas is not a serious condition. Burps and flatulence are the body’s way of ridding itself of gas. Some people with persistent bloating and distension can feel discomfort and should seek GI care. Burps release swallowed air and flatulence releases gas created during digestion.
Gas can be caused by a variety of foods and illnesses, including:
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Lactose intolerance
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Beans
- Carbonated drinks
- Chewing gum
- SIBO
- Celiac disease
- Artificial sweeteners
The treatment for gas depends on the underlying cause. Many times, gas can be reduced through diet and lifestyle changes. But if you experience excessive gas, it could be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition – including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which is excessive bacteria in the small intestine.
What Causes Bloating?
Bloating is an unpleasant feeling created by excess air in the abdomen. Swallowing air, air moving the wrong way towards the stomach, gasses released by bacteria in the gut, medications, constipation, and certain foods and beverages can cause bloating.
You should contact a doctor if your gas or bloating is:
- Becoming very uncomfortable
- Occurring more often
- Accompanied by other symptoms including blood in stools, weight loss, vomiting, or constipation
Contact Center for GI Health as soon as possible, as bloating may be a symptom of an underlying condition – including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which is excessive bacteria in the small intestine.
Make an appointment with our Beverly Hills Gastroenterologist by calling (310) 657-4444.
