Excess air and gas in the intestinal tract leads to bloating, abdominal cramping and discomfort. Because a number of factors can contribute to intestinal gas, determining the source of your bloating and gas can determine what treatment is best to relieve it.
Causes
The introduction of excess air into the intestinal tract can cause bloating, according to UptoDate. You can swallow excess air when chewing gum, drinking carbonated beverages or eating a large meal. Digestion of certain foods can cause gas, which can then be retained in the intestinal tract. A partial or full obstruction of the digestive tract also may reduce the body's ability to expel gas. When a person experiences gas symptoms can help diagnose the cause; if gas occurs after a meal, foods eaten could be to blame, while if the gas seems to be a chronic condition, obstruction could be the cause.
Lifestyle Changes
Smoking can contribute to bloating and gas retention because a person breathes in excess air, according to the Mayo Clinic. Seeking a support group, or aids to quitting smoking such as nicotine replacement gum, may help you to succeed in stopping. Chronic bouts of severe stress also may lead to gas retention and cramping. Taking steps to relieve stress, such as engaging in exercise, meditation or writing in a journal can help.
Dietary Changes
When certain foods are broken down in the gastrointestinal tract, they can release gas and contribute to bloating, according to the Mayo Clinic. Avoidance of the following foods may help you to reduce gas symptoms: baked beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carbonated drinks, cauliflower, chewing gum, hard candy, lettuce, peaches, apples and pears.
Medications
Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help to reduce your gas symptoms, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Over-the-counter options include digestive enzymes that help you to break down gas-causing foods in the digestive tract. Other medications may specifically target a type of food, such as those for lactose intolerance or vegetable digestion. Prescription medications are typically for those who experience irritable bowel syndrome, a chronic condition that results in frequent bouts of gas retention or bloating.
Warning
While most instances of abdominal bloating and gas retention improve with time and over-the-counter treatments, some symptoms may signal the need for a physician's attention, according to Brigham and Women's Hospital. These include weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting or heartburn that occur in addition to your gas retention and/or abdominal bloating. Also, if your symptoms worsen over time or no longer respond to lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments, see your physician.
