Gas, or flatulence, is a natural body function that affects everyone. Normally, the body produces between 1 and 4 pints of gas daily, which can be embarrassing but is typically not painful. Excess gas, however, can cause bloating and pain. Finding the cause is the first step in treating the symptoms. Diet changes often relieve most complications.
Diet
Gas pain and bloating arise when too much air is swallowed or when bacteria in the colon ferments undigested carbohydrates. The healthiest food options--such as vegetables, fruit, beans and whole grains--are often the ones that also produce the most gas due to their high fiber content.
Lactose Intolerance
Other dietary culprits include dairy products. Individuals with a low tolerance for dairy are often deficient in lactase, an enzyme that helps break down lactose, the sugar found in dairy. For these individuals, eating ice cream, cheese or other dairy foods produces painful gas and bloating. These problems can arise at any age. Caucasians usually experience symptoms after age 5. African-Americans are often affected at a younger age--as early as age 2. The condition is common among adults and affects approximately 30 million Americans to some degree by age 20, according to MedlinePlus.
Constipation
Constipation affects most individuals at some point, though some experience chronic bouts. Constipation can cause excess gas. And treating constipation with certain fiber supplements can actually create more gas due to the ingredient psyllium, a bulk-forming laxative that forms stool by absorbing liquids in the intestines and then swelling. Individuals with constipation, bloating and gas should talk to a doctor before using a fiber supplement.
Intestinal Disease
If gas pain and bloating continually occur, an intestinal disease could be the cause. Such conditions as diverticulitis or an inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease could lead to chronic gas.
Medication
Gas pain and bloating that arises suddenly can result from medication. Antibiotics disturb the normal bacterial flora in the bowels and can cause excess gas in some people.
