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

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

This article outlines the symptoms of stomach gas and its various causes. It also outlines the different treatment options for stomach gas and provides information about when to see a doctor.

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Stomach gas can cause issues ranging from burping and flatulence to heartburn and indigestion.

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

In some cases, other symptoms may accompany gas in the stomach, such as:

There are various reasons why a person might experience gas.

Gas in the stomach and upper abdomen

Reasons for gas in the stomach and upper abdomen include:

Swallowing air

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

The NIDDK note that a person swallows 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 frequently 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. As a 2015 case study notes, stomach gas and belching are other common symptoms of GERD.

People who experience GERD-related stomach gas may notice that their burps have a foul taste or cause them to regurgitate food.

Gas in the lower abdomen

Below are some potential causes of gas in the lower abdomen.

Fermentation

A person experiencing symptoms of gas in the lower part of their belly or abdomen may be experiencing gas from fermentation.

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

  • greens, such as kale, cabbage, and Brussel 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

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an umbrella term for a group of digestive symptoms that can cause pain, discomfort, and changes in bowel movements.

A person with IBS may experience an excessive amount of intestinal gas. This excess gas may lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence. Other possible symptoms of IBS include:

The exact cause of IBS remains unknown. However, experts believe that it may be due to food passing through the intestines too quickly or too slowly.

Bacterial overgrowth

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is the medical term for excess bacteria in the small intestine. Experts believe that the condition is due to a lack of movement in the small intestine.

Excessive intestinal bacteria can cause a build-up of gas, which may lead to bloating and flatulence.

Other possible symptoms of SIBO inlcude:

  • abdominal pain
  • diarrhea or constipation
  • nausea
  • fatigue

In extreme cases, the small intestine may be unable to absorb sufficient nutrients from food. This may lead to complications, such as weight loss and anemia.

A 2020 study notes that SIBO is a common but underdiagnosed condition, as the symptoms appear similar to other digestive disorders.

Food intolerances

Frequent bloating and intestinal gas can sometimes indicate a food intolerance. This is where the body is unable to digest certain foods properly.

Common food intolerances include:

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 healthy cells in the small intestine.

Some general symptoms of food intolerances include:

Other potential causes

Some less common causes of stomach gas include:

Some causes of stomach gas may improve with home remedies alone. Others may require over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications.

Home remedies

A person who experiences mild or infrequent episodes of stomach gas may want to try home remedies before seeking a medical diagnosis and treatment. Below are some general tips for alleviating stomach gas at home.

Lifestyle changes

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 to identify any trigger foods. After identifying the foods, a person can alter their diet to avoid those foods in the future.

Herbal remedies

Anecdotally, some people report relief from stomach gas using various herbs, such as:

Medications

In some cases, people may require OTC or prescription medications to help alleviate stomach gas and associated symptoms.

OTC medications

People with certain food intolerances can take digestive enzymes before a meal to help their body digest problematic foods. Common examples include taking lactase to help digest milk products or taking alpha-galactosidase (Beano) to help break down carbohydrates, fiber, and protein from beans and vegetables.

For someone already experiencing gas, OTC products containing simethicone can help combine gas bubbles, making the gas easier to pass. Examples of such products include:

  • Gas-X
  • Imodium
  • Mylanta

Prescription medications

Doctors may recommend prescription medications for people who cannot find relief from home remedies and OTC options.

The type of medication a doctor prescribes will depend on the underlying condition causing the gas. Some medications a doctor may prescribe include:

  • medications to manage GERD, such as:
    • antacids to alleviate heartburn
    • H2 blockers to decrease the production of stomach acid
    • proton pump inhibitors to reduce the production of stomach acid and help heal the esophagus
    • prokinetics to help the stomach empty faster
  • medications to manage IBS, such as:
    • antispasmodics to alleviate abdominal pain and cramping
    • laxatives to help relieve constipation
    • antimotility medications to help alleviate diarrhea
  • antibiotics to help treat SIBO

In many cases, gas in the stomach is not a cause for concern, and symptoms will pass with little or no treatment.

However, anyone experiencing frequent or persistent stomach gas should see their doctor for a full diagnosis.

Stomach gas that occurs alongside other symptoms, such as 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.

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, a person should see their doctor if they experience frequent or persistent stomach gas. This could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment or careful management.

Treatment should help alleviate symptoms while preventing the risk of further health complications.