Most often, gas is a product of eating certain foods or swallowing air.
Many people think they pass too much gas when the amount that they have is actually normal.
However, in some uncommon cases, excessive gas might truly need further investigation.
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Tests to Evaluate Gas
The following tests might further determine what is causing excess gas or bloating.
A healthcare provider may also order other tests to determine the cause of gas or bloating.
Swallowing Excess Air
One possible cause of frequent belching is swallowing excess air.
Not chewing gum or sucking on hard candy, and eating more slowly, can help reduce swallowed air.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the sugar found in milk (lactose).
It can either be congenital or acquired.
More commonly, lactose intolerance develops after about the age of 2 years.
The treatment for celiac disease is avoiding eating gluten.
Diabetes:One complication of diabetes is the slowing down of the process of digestion.
Improper digestion could also cause SIBO (see below).
Scleroderma:Some forms of scleroderma can adversely affect the gastrointestinal tract.
A number of intestinal dysfunctions can lead to symptoms of abdominal distention (bloating) and gas.
Scleroderma can also be associated with SIBO (see below).
Too much bacteria in the intestines can result in gas and bloating.
Cutting back on gassy foods or drinking through a straw may help lessen gas for some people.
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