Feeling bloated and passing gas are common occurrences during the digestive process. These symptoms typically cause discomfort, but aren't necessarily harmful. Severe bloating and gas may be caused by swallowing excessive air or the breaking down of food as it digests. They may also be an indication of a previously undetected medical condition.
Swallowed Air
Swallowing air, or aerophagia, fills the stomach with air, causing bloating and gas. It is common to swallow air when eating, smoking, chewing gum and drinking. According to MayoClinic.com, some people may swallow air as a nervous habit. The excess air taken in to the body causes the abdomen to feel full and tight.
Breakdown of Food
Severe bloating and gas caused by food is often the result of bacteria breaking down undigested carbohydrates in the large intestine. As bacteria breaks down these carbohydrates, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane are produced. Foods known to cause bloating and gas include beans, broccoli, cabbage, carbonated beverages, chewing gum, and fruits such as apples and peaches. Starches such as pasta, potatoes and wheat tend to produce large amounts of gas when broken down.
Other Health Conditions
Severe bloating and gas may also be a sign of a more serious health condition. According to MayoClinic.com, this condition may be a sign of diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease or lactose intolerance may also result in bloating and gas.
The University of North Carolina School of Medicine reports that some diseases unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract may also contribute to severe bloating; these diseases include congestive heart failure and cirrhosis of the liver. Conditions causing severe gas and bloating that necessitate immediate medical attention may include gastrointestinal infections or intestinal obstruction.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Abdominal bloating
- University of North Carolina Medical Center: Abdominal bloating
- MayoClinic.com: Bloating, belching and intestinal gas: How to avoid them
- MayoClinic.com: Gas and gas pains
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gas in the Digestive Tract
