Excessive Gas

About the Symptom

Increased flatulence describes the more frequent passing of gas, otherwise known as farting.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Abdominal bloating sensation
• Abdominal pain

Possible Causes

Generally, Excessive gas can be related to:

• Aerophagia (Swallowing Air)

  Excessive and repetitive air swallowing, resulting in burping, bloating and flatulence symptoms. It can be caused by psychological reasons, habits, or using machines that assist in breathing (CPAP machines).

• Constipation

  Difficulty passing stool. Constipation can also refer to a decrease in stool quantity (e.g. passing stool every day but only small amounts). It can be caused by various factors, including dietary habits, mobility, illnesses, and medications.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  A condition with recurring episodes of abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS is diagnosed when no clear cause can be found despite investigations. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but stress and certain foods are known to cause flare-ups.

• Functional Dyspepsia
• Gastritis
• Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis
• Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Colon Cancer

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Excessive gas may be related to these serious diseases:

• Bowel obstruction

  This happens when the intestines are blocked, for example, by tumors or scar tissue from past surgeries. Quick medical attention is necessary.

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Have you been passing gas more than usual?
• When did you first start passing gas more than usual?
• How often do you experience passing gas more than usual?

Find Similar Symptoms

References

• American College of Gastroenterology

  https://gi.org/topics/belching-bloating-and-flatulence/