Many people experience bloating and gas at some point during their lives. Fleeting gas and bloating are common symptoms that do not usually indicate any underlying health conditions. Acute, severe bloating and gas can signal a viral infection, whereas chronic bloating and gas usually signal an underlying digestive disease or gastrointestinal tract abnormality.
Viral Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis is a viral infection caused by the rotavirus or one of the strains of norovirus. Although commonly referred to as the stomach flu, MayoClinic.com notes that viral gastroenteritis is not caused by the influenza virus and affects the intestinal tract rather than the respiratory system. The infection is most commonly contracted through the consumption of contaminated food and water, but may also be contracted by sharing contaminated utensils. The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea and vomiting, but the affected person may also experience abdominal bloating, gas, stomach cramps, headache, fever and muscle aches. Symptoms usually begin one to two days after contamination and can last for one to ten days. Medical treatment is not required for viral gastroenteritis, but it is important to increase fluid intake while symptoms persist to avoid dehydration.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a lower intestinal tract disorder characterized by abnormal intestinal contractions. Contractions may be too strong and frequent, causing intestinal contents to move through the digestive tract too rapidly, or they may be too slow and intermittent, causing intestinal contents to remain stagnant. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are usually triggered by certain foods, which can vary from person to person, and include abdominal bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome consists of avoidance of symptom triggers and increased physical activity, which may help relieve symptoms, according to Medline Plus. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to alleviate individual symptoms.
Intestinal Obstruction
An intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage in the intestinal tract that hinders or prevents intestinal contents from passing through. The blockage may be mechanical, which means that there is physically something in the way, or a result of improper bowel function. Symptoms of an intestinal obstruction include abdominal bloating, gas, abdominal cramping, breath odor, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Treatment involves the insertion of a nasogastric tube, which is a tube that is placed in the nose and extended into the stomach. The tube helps relieve abdominal bloating and vomiting. If the nasogastric tube is ineffective, surgery may be required.
