Gas is normal. Everyone burps and feels bloating from time to time. Some people have a more than normal level of gas that can impact their normal activities during the day. It may be due to something more worrisome or it may not. When you see our Brooklyn gastrointestinal doctor at our Cobble Hill or Ocean Parkway office, you’ll learn what is behind your bloating.
What Is Bloating?
There are various reasons bloating can occur.
- A diet of fatty foods can cause a delay in the stomach’s emptying process, making you feel too full.
- Eating too quickly, sucking on candy or chewing gum can cause swallowing of air.
- Smoking
- Stress and anxiety
- Drinking carbonated fluids
- Gastrointestinal infections, blockages, and disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly associated with abdominal pain or cramping, and changes in bowel function
- Some conditions such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease
One way to control bloating is to minimize consumption of foods that cause a higher amount of gas. These may include:
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Chewing gum
- Carbonated beverages
- Fruit such as apples, peaches, and pears
- Lettuce
- Milk or dairy products
- Onions
- Sugar alcohol found in sugar-free foods
- Whole grain foods
Burping
Burping is the removal of excess gas or air from the stomach. This may be due to swallowing too much air as you drink or eat. In some situations, conditions such as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause it. This occurs when acids from the stomach move back into the esophagus. You’ll then swallow it again, leading to the development of more gas in the stomach.
Chronic burping can be a sign of inflammation of the stomach lining, called gastritis, or an infection from bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. This type of bacteria commonly leads to stomach ulcers.
Reducing burping is possible by:
- Slow down the eating and drinking process.
- Reduce the amount of carbonated drinks or beer you consume.
- Don’t smoke.
- Stop eating candy and gum.
- Ensure your dentures fit properly.
- Treat heartburn or other gastro symptoms with your gastro doctor in Brooklyn
Gas
Gas, or flatulence, is the buildup of air in the colon. This is often caused by the normal fermentation of foods in your body, especially when you consume plant fiber. It occurs in the colon and is more common when the intestines struggle to break down the components of the food, such as sugars found in dairy and fruit.
Gas can also be caused by:
- Residue from food in the colon
- Poor absorption of carbohydrates, which creates an imbalance of bacteria here
- Air that’s swallowed and moves into the colon
- Intestinal bacteria changes brought on by medications
- Constipation
In some situations, gas is actually due to a digestive disorder. This may include lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome.
To reduce gas, consider:
- Avoid those foods that seem to produce the most gas for you. This includes beans, cabbage, onions, cauliflower, whole grain foods, mushrooms, beer, carbonated beverages, broccoli, and lentils. In some people, dairy can cause it.
- Reduce the amount of fatty foods you consume because these digest slower
- Reduce the amount of high fiber foods you consume since these produce more gas. After taking a break from them, slowly introduce them again.
- Use fiber-based products that help to reduce gas.
- Eat slower to minimize the amount of air that enters the digestive system.
- Move more, since exercise after eating can help release it.
- Over-the-counter gas products can reduce the amount of gas occurring (such as Mylanta Gas and Gas-X)
Seeing Your Brooklyn Gastrointestinal Doctor
In any of these situations, seeking help from your doctor is often advisable when the condition becomes painful, chronic, or troublesome in some other way. Your doctor can help you with more worrisome symptoms as well including:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
- Abdominal or rectal pain
- Persistent heartburn
Don’t put off seeing your doctor for these types of treatments. Our Brooklyn digestive doctor can help you understand how to overcome them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bloating or Gaseousness
What sleeping position relieves gas?
Sleeping on your left side is often helpful for relieving gas. This position allows gravity to assist gas movement through the digestive tract, making it easier to pass. Some people also find relief by sleeping with their knees pulled up to their chest or by using a pillow to support their abdomen.
How do I get unbloated quickly?
Try the following tips to relieve gas and bloating:
- Drink some water
- Drink peppermint, ginger, and chamomile tea
- Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen
- Try gentle movement, such as walking
Why do I burp so often, and is it something to worry about?
We all have gas, and we must get rid of it somehow. Typically, we pass gas through the rectum or belch it through the mouth. Both functions help eliminate gas, preventing bloating. However, if you burp or belch too much, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Frequent burping is usually caused by swallowing air while eating, drinking, or talking (aerophagia). Carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and eating too fast can also increase burping. Occasional burping is normal, but persistent or excessive burping may indicate acid reflux or another GI issue that requires medical evaluation.
How can diet influence gas and bloating?
Diet is a major culprit in gas and bloating. Foods such as beans, dairy, onions, bran, cabbage, and certain carbohydrates can be harder to digest and produce more gas. Artificial sweeteners and high-fat meals may also contribute. Identifying trigger foods can help reduce symptoms.
Can bloating cause back pain?
Yes. Severe bloating can cause abdominal pressure that may radiate to the lower back. When gas builds up, it can strain nearby muscles and nerves, leading to discomfort beyond the stomach area. Contact your GI specialist in Brooklyn if your bloating and stomach pain persist for more than a few days.
Can bloating cause chest pain?
Intestinal gas trapped in the abdomen can cause chest discomfort. Sometimes, this chest pain can feel like having a heart attack. While gas pain in the chest isn’t anything to worry about, seek medical attention if it is accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, bloody stool, or unexplained weight loss.
When should I see a gastroenterologist for bloating?
The thing about gastrointestinal disorders like bloating is that the cause could be a diet issue or something serious. You should see a GI specialist if bloating is persistent, painful, or keeps returning.
Accompanying red flags that need prompt care include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in the stool
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe pain
- Worsening heartburn
These symptoms may signal an underlying digestive condition. A medical evaluation helps identify the cause for proper treatment.
How does my GI doctor treat bloating?
Before any treatment, your doctor will begin with a diagnosis. They will review your symptoms, diet, and medical history and may recommend blood work, breath tests, imaging, or endoscopy. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve dietary changes, medications, or managing an underlying condition.
What lifestyle changes can help reduce bloating and gas?
Eat smaller meals, chew food slowly, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly. Additionally, limit carbonated drinks, manage stress, and maintain a food journal to identify triggers.
Where can I find an experienced gastroenterologist near me?
Bloating can be a nuisance and, at times, a symptom of an underlying medical issue. To get to the root of your bloating, call 718 521-2840 and schedule an appointment with Atlantic Gastroenterology in Brooklyn, NY, and Coral Springs, FL. Our gastroenterology team is committed to providing the expert, patient-centered care you deserve.