Why Your Tummy Feels Bloated and Gassy

Parang may hangin ang tiyan? That uncomfortable feeling of tummy tightness and fullness can happen for several reasons. What you eat, how quickly you eat, and even certain health conditions can cause gas to build up in your digestive tract.

What is Gas and Gas Pain?

Gas is a normal part of digestion. As your body breaks down the food you eat, gas is released in the intestines. Your body naturally gets rid of excess gas by burping or passing gas. When excess gas gets trapped in your body, it can cause gas pain.

What are the Symptoms of Gas?

  • Steady, sharp, or cramping pain in your abdomen
  • Frequent farting
  • Frequent burping
  • Stomach rumbling

What Causes Gas?

Swallowing too much air when you eat or drink is a common cause of gas. You swallow more air than usual whenever you chew gum, suck on candies, or eat and drink too quickly. Certain foods and drinks can also make you feel gassy, including bread and other complex carbohydrates, and carbonated drinks. In addition, people who find it difficult to digest lactose can get gas from consuming dairy products. Smoking and wearing loose dentures can also make you gassy.

What is Bloating?

Bloating occurs when excess gas is not being released by the body and accumulates in your GI tract. It makes your tummy feel full, unusually firm, and even look bigger or swollen.

What Causes Bloating?

Here are possible reasons why you are bloated:

  • Don’t burp or pass gas enough
  • Acid reflux
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Hormonal changes (especially during the menstrual period or pregnancy)
  • Excessive unhealthy bacteria in your GI tract
  • Lack of healthy bacteria in your gut
  • Slow movement of food in your GI tract
  • Problem absorbing nutrients

Bloating may also be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as:

  • Food intolerance
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Celiac disease

How to Treat Gas and Bloating

Here are some possible home remedies for gas and bloating:

How to Prevent Gas and Bloating

The Cleveland Clinic suggests making simple changes to your daily routine to help prevent gas and bloating:

  • Be aware of your triggers. Avoid food and drinks that you’re sensitive to. It’s a good idea to keep track of them and take note of the ingredients that often make you feel gassy or bloated.
  • Consume more fiber. Eating food high in fiber can help support regular bowel movements and help remove bacteria from your gut.
  • Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated eases bowel movements.
  • Avoid processed foods. Eating processed foods can cause water retention and make you feel more bloated.
  • Exercise regularly. Physical activity can support healthy digestion.
  • Take your time when eating. Eat slowly and chew your food properly to prevent swallowing too much air that can lead to gas.

When to Seek Medical Help

Our experienced pharmacists at VidaCure, a PhilHealth GAMOT-accredited pharmacy, can help recommend appropriate over-the-counter medicines that may provide relief from occasional gas and bloating. However, if your symptoms persist, get worse over time, or are accompanied by fever, vomiting, weakness, bleeding, frequent heartburn, and unexplained weight loss, see a doctor for proper evaluation.

Bottomline

For occasional gas pains and bloating, simple changes can help, such as avoiding trigger foods and beverages, consuming more fiber, eating slowly, drinking enough water, and staying active. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like antacids, magnesium supplements, and probiotics may also provide relief, depending on what’s causing your symptoms.

Need help choosing an OTC medicine? VidaCure Pharmacy can help you find an appropriate medicine for occasional gas and bloating. If symptoms become severe, keep coming back, or are accompanied by fever, vomiting, bleeding, worsening heartburn, weakness, or unexplained weight loss, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is occasional gas and bloating normal?
Yes. Gas is a normal part of digestion, and occasional bloating can happen after eating certain foods, eating too quickly, or swallowing a lot of air. However, frequent or severe symptoms may need medical attention.

2. What causes gas pains?
Gas pains can happen when gas becomes trapped in your digestive system. Eating or drinking too quickly, consuming food that is difficult for you to digest, and drinking carbonated beverages can make you gassy.

3. What is the difference between gas and bloating?
Gas is a byproduct of digestion. When gas builds up in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it can cause an uncomfortable feeling of tightness or fullness in your abdomen called bloating.

4. How can I avoid gas pains and bloating?
Eating more slowly, drinking enough water, staying active, and avoiding foods or drinks that you notice trigger your symptoms can help you avoid gas pains and bloating.

5. Can I take Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for gas and bloating?
Some OTC medicines may help, depending on what is causing your symptoms. Antacids, probiotics, or other products may be appropriate for certain situations. If you’re unsure what to take, ask your pharmacist at VidaCure Pharmacy for guidance.

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