About Gas Pains

Intestinal gas is common, and the average person passes gas at least 12 times a day. In most cases, intestinal gas causes little discomfort and doesn't interfere with a person's daily activities. But occasionally, intestinal gas can build up in the stomach and cause pain. If the pain becomes severe, sufferers may be unable to walk or stand. Fortunately, there are easy ways to get rid of gas pain.

Time Frame

Gas pain can be severe or mild, and discomfort can last for a few seconds to several hours. Gas pain is common after eating a meal or drinking beverages. It can strike as a sudden, sharp pain that quickly disappears; or gas pain can progress over time and linger for hours. Because gas pain can also indicate a serious gastrointestinal or gynecological problem, seek medical attention if pain doesn't subside within a few days.

Identification

Gas pains can be felt anywhere in the abdomen, with common locations being the upper abdomen, lower abdomen and on your right or left side. Severe gas pains are intense and sharp, whereas mild symptoms include a dull pain or cramping sensation. Often times, gas pain is accompanied by abdominal bloating, in which the stomach feels tight or full. Abdominal distention may also occur.

Causes

Gas pains result from intestinal gas. Several factors contribute to excess gas, which include swallowing too much air. This commonly occurs while eating, drinking or chewing gum. Additionally, certain foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, dairy products and wheat can produce intestinal gas and pain. What's more, having a gastrointestinal disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis increases the risk of gas pain. Other causes and risk factors include constipation, taking an antibiotic and overuse of laxatives.

Prevention/Solution

Intestinal gas is common, and there's no way to stop gas pain completely. However, you can take steps to reduce the frequency of gas pains. For starters, it helps to identify foods that trigger gas pain. Keep a food journal and record all your meals. After identifying your problems foods, remove these from your diet and monitor your progress. If constipation causes gas pain, consider ways to regulate the bowels. Take fiber supplements, drink plenty of fluids or start an exercise routine.

Expert Insight

Gas pains are often overlooked or ignored, and sufferers rarely seek medical attention. However, chronic gas pain can point to an underlying medical condition such as ovarian cancer. Finding the cause of gain pain is important, and if pain doesn't respond to home treatment or diet changes, doctors generally take an X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract (endoscopy) or schedule an ultrasound of the lower abdomen and pelvis. Both procedures can identify abnormalities and digestive disorders.