Gas and gas pain is a common problem that is not very serious, but can be embarrassing in many occasions.
Anything that may cause intestinal gas or may be linked to diarrhea or constipation can result in gas pain. Gas pain normally takes place when gas builds up in the intestines but it is difficult to expel the gas out of the body. An average human passes gas 10 or more times a day.
Even though the gas pains and gas cannot be stopped, the amount of gas produced can be reduces to prevent humiliation and discomfort.
Signs and symptoms
In many cases, gas and gas pain symptoms tend to be quite obvious. Some signs and symptoms may include:
- Passing of gas – can be voluntary or involuntary
- Sharp pain or cramps in the abdomen
- A knotted sensation in the abdomen
- Bloating
Stomache Ache and Gas Relief Technique
Gas pains may be sharp, but they are usually very brief. The pain goes away right after the gas is expelled. However, sometimes, the gas pains may persist and feel too intense to be left ignored.
Gas pain can be confused with:
- Gallstones
- Heart disease
- Appendicitis
When to seek medical attention
A person may pass gas from 10 to 20 times on a daily basis.
See your doctor is gas and gas pain occurs with:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bloody stools
- Prolonged, recurrent or severe abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
- Fever
You must also make sure you see your doctor if gas and gas pains are so frequent or severe that they affect your daily performance and your professional and private life. Most of the time, treatment can effectively resolve or reduce the problem.
Treatment
If you suspect that your gas or gas pains may be caused due to another underlying health condition, it is important that you see a doctor for a diagnosis to determine appropriate treatment for the underlying problem.
Normally gas and gas pains can be effectively treated by modifying your diet, lifestyle and over-the-counter medications. The effectiveness of a treatment measure may vary amongst individuals, but a trial and error for each method may allow you to find out what treatment helps you to the most:
Some examples of dietary changes include:
- Find out what foods cause gas problems. Examples of common gas casing foods include beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onions, cauliflower, asparagus, artichokes, apples, pears, prunes, peaches, chewing gum, sugar-free candy, bran cereal, whole wheat bread, carbonated beverages and sodas, beer, milk, ice milk, ice cream and muffins
- Cut back on fatty and fired foods
- Cut back on high-fiber foods temporarily and gradually ass them over weeks.
- Reduce consumption of dairy products and consider using low-lactose dairy
Over-the-counter remedies are not always helpful, but some examples include lactase supplements, Beano and activated charcoal.