Passing gas isn’t just inconvenient and embarrassing, it can be a sign of something wrong with your digestive system. If chronic gas or gas pain is stopping, you from living your life to the fullest we can diagnose the cause and suggest treatment if needed.
What is gas pain?
During the course of digestion, it’s common for gas to pass through your gastrointestinal system. Gas gets in your digestive tract when you swallow air, or when the bacteria contained in your large intestine begin breaking down food, creating hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane.
Once the gas is trapped in your digestive system, it may make you feel bloated or uncomfortable until it’s passed by burping or flatulence. Gas pain occurs when having or passing gas is painful and uncomfortable.
What causes gas?
Certain foods produce more gas when they’re digested, especially those that are high in carbohydrates. Some common examples of gassy foods include:
While fiber is great for digestion, too much fiber can lead to excess gas and gas pain, so make sure you keep a balanced diet. Some sugar substitutes, like sorbitol or xylitol, can also cause excess gas.
When should I see a doctor about gas?
Passing gas through burping or flatulence is normal; most people do it about 20 times a day. But if gas or gas pain is interfering with your day-to-day life, it could be a sign of something more serious. You should certainly be evaluated if you are experiencing:
If you experience severe gas at the same time as chest pain or numbness in your extremities, seek emergency medical care immediately as this can be a sign of a heart attack.
If you’re suffering from chronic gas or gas pain, call Park Gastro NYC or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about its causes and the available treatment options.
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