Reasons for gas in the stomach range from swallowing air to colon cancer. Burping often helps reduce gas, bloating, and discomfort. However, persistent or worsening gas may require medical attention.

Mild or infrequent episodes of stomach gas are not usually a cause for concern. However, frequent or persistent stomach gas can indicate an underlying gastrointestinal condition that requires treatment.

This article outlines the symptoms of stomach gas, its various causes, and the different treatment options.

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According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the most common symptoms of gas in the stomach include:

Other symptoms may include:

Below are some potential causes of gas.

Swallowing air

People usually swallow a little bit of air while eating. This can make the stomach or upper abdomen feel full. Burping generally helps to release the gas and reduce bloating and discomfort.

The NIDDK notes that people swallow more air during the following:

  • eating or drinking too fast
  • chewing gum
  • sucking on hard candy
  • drinking carbonated drinks, such as soda, sparkling water, and beer
  • smoking
  • wearing ill-fitting dentures that reduce chewing efficiency

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD is a condition in which stomach acid and other stomach contents leak out of the stomach and up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth and stomach.

The most common symptoms of GERD are acid reflux and heartburn. A 2023 article suggests abdominal bloating due to trapped gas in the upper abdomen is another common symptom.

Certain foods

Stomach acid helps to break down food and pass it on to the intestines. The intestines break down the food even further in a process that sometimes releases gases.

These gases either make their way to the stomach and leave the body as a burp or travel through the intestines and leave the body as flatulence.

Some foods may produce more gas than others. The NIDDK lists some common foods that may cause gas, including:

  • greens, such as kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts
  • vegetables, such as onions, cauliflower, and broccoli
  • beans, including black, pinto, and kidney beans
  • dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream
  • high fiber foods, such as whole grains and fruits
  • sugar substitutes and sweeteners, such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol

Food intolerances

Frequent bloating and intestinal gas can indicate a food intolerance, which occurs when the body cannot digest certain foods properly.

Examples of food intolerances include:

  • Lactose intolerance: Inability to digest the sugar “lactose,” found in milk and dairy products.
  • Fructose intolerance: Inability to digest the fruit sugar “fructose.”
  • Gluten intolerance: Inability to digest gluten proteins that exist in cereal grains.

Celiac disease is similar to gluten intolerance but more severe. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which consuming gluten causes the immune system to attack cells in the small intestine.

Some general symptoms of food intolerances may include:

Other potential causes

Some less common causes of stomach gas include:

Stomach gas usually improves with home remedies alone. Other times, people may require over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications.

Some lifestyle changes that may help to alleviate stomach gas include:

  • chewing food thoroughly
  • avoiding chewing gum and hard candy
  • avoiding carbonated beverages
  • avoiding smoking
  • ensuring that dentures or other dental devices fit correctly

People may also benefit from keeping a food journal to record what and when they eat and when they experience symptoms. This will help them identify any trigger foods and alter their diet to avoid those foods in the future.

Doctors may prescribe medications for people who cannot find relief from home remedies and OTC options. These may include:

The most suitable medications to manage gas may depend on the cause of a person’s symptoms. OTC products may include lactase products, supplements, or other medications. People can speak with a pharmacist about their options.

Occasional gas in the stomach is not a cause for concern, and symptoms may pass with little or no treatment.

However, anyone with frequent or persistent stomach gas may benefit from speaking with their doctor for a full diagnosis.

Stomach gas that occurs alongside other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss or changes in bowel movements, also warrants medical attention.

These symptoms could indicate an underlying medical condition that requires treatment and management to prevent any long-term complications.

Gas can occur for various reasons, from eating certain foods to swallowing excessive air to underlying health issues, such as GERD.

Mild or occasional stomach gas is usually not a cause for concern. In such cases, people can usually find relief using simple home remedies and OTC medications.

However, people should see their doctor if they have frequent or persistent stomach gas. This could indicate an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.