Gas and bloating after eating is a common complaint. According to the National Institutes of Health, most people produce 1 to 4 pints of gas per day and pass gas approximately 14 times a day. In some cases, symptoms are due to a food intolerance or to an underlying disease process such as irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease. In other cases, the patient is sensitive to normal amounts of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
Causes of Gas
According to the American Gastroenterological Association, the most common source of gas is swallowed air. Certain activities, such as chewing gum, drinking soda, eating quickly and smoking can cause increased amounts of air to be swallowed. Gas is also caused by the breakdown of undigested foods. Once undigested food enters the colon, harmless bacteria break it down, with gas as a byproduct.
Problem Foods
Certain foods have the propensity to cause gas and bloating. According to the National Institutes of Health, the sugars lactose, fructose, raffinose and sorbitol all cause gas. Patients with lactose deficiency often find that their symptoms worsen after drinking milk or eating dairy products. All starches except for rice produce gas during processing. Foods with insoluble fiber, such as oat bran, peas and most fruits also produce gas. Fatty food in particular can cause symptoms of gas and bloating because it transits from the stomach to the intestine slowly, allowing gas to build up in the stomach.
Other Causes
According to the American Gastroenterological Society, excess gas by itself is rarely a disease. It can be a consequence of lactose intolerance or, in rare cases, celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body reacts to gluten, a grain found in wheat products. As a consequence, the intestine is damaged and is unable to process carbohydrates, resulting in an increase in gas and a bloating sensation. Abdominal bloating is typically caused by increased sensitivity to gas rather than to excess gas itself. Irritable bowel syndrome is a common cause of this symptom. Other possible causes include partial obstructions of the intestine, Crohn's disease and colon cancer.
Diagnosis
Typically, the first step in diagnosis of the cause of gas and bloating is for the patient to keep a food diary. Often, once foods that cause gas are eliminated, symptoms resolve. As discussed by the National Institutes of Health, a breath test can evaluate for lactose intolerance. If symptoms of gas and bloating are accompanied by weight loss, constipation, diarrhea or blood in the stool, a specialist may do further testing.
Treatment
As discussed by the American Gastroenterological Association, the first step in treatment is to reduce the amount of gas produced. Avoiding chewing gum and ingesting carbonated beverages and gas-producing foods such as broccoli and beans. Walking, jogging and other exercise can help to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and speed the passage of gas. For some people, limiting fatty foods may help as well. Digestive enzymes, which can be purchased over the counter, can help break down carbohydrates and reduce gas. If a patient has been diagnosed with lactose intolerance, milk products treated with lactase can relieve symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medications to help speed up the gastrointestinal tract.
