What Is Gas?
Gas is a normal byproduct of the foods we eat. As the digestive system breaks food down, it produces gas, which is mainly composed of carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and methane.
Usually, we eliminate gas through the mouth (burping) or through the anus (flatulance).
What Are the Symptoms of Gas?
In addition to burping and flatulence, people who have gas may feel bloated. They may also have pain in the abdomen, which they may mistake for another disease such as a heart attack or appendicitis.
Could Gas Be a Sign of a Medical Problem?
Yes. Chronic (long-lasting) belching may be a sign of disease in the upper digestive tract, such as ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Bloating may be caused by a variety of diseases, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), colon cancer, and Crohn’s disease or by a hernia.
What Are the Treatments for Gas?
Gas problems are treated by changing your diet and by training yourself to swallow less air. There are also prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help reduce gas.