Gas and Gas Pains: Why They Happen, What Your Body Is Telling You, and What Actually Helps
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer
Gas and gas pains come from swallowed air and from colon gas made when bacteria ferment undigested food; pain occurs when gas is trapped. Passing gas up to 20 times a day is normal. Triggers include beans, carbonated drinks and eating fast. Gas with bloody stools or weight loss needs a doctor, and chest pain needs immediate care. [3] [4]
What the research says
Peppermint oil helped IBS symptoms in pooled trials, but the evidence is weak. A meta-analysis of 10 randomized trials (1,030 patients) found peppermint oil beat placebo for overall IBS symptoms (number needed to treat of 4) and abdominal pain (number needed to treat of 7). Side effects were more common, and the quality of the evidence was very low (Ingrosso et al., Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2022).
Bloating is very common, and simethicone is well tolerated. Around 16% to 31% of the general population report bloating. In a 108-adult trial in functional bloating, simethicone caused no reported adverse effects, but a comparison product reduced abdominal distension and flatulence more (Burta et al., Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2018).
What Are Gas and Gas Pains?
Gas in your digestive system is part of normal digestion. Getting rid of extra gas, by burping or by passing gas (doctors call this flatus), is a normal body function too.
Gas pain happens when gas is trapped or isn't moving well through your digestive system. That is the key idea: everyone makes gas, but pain shows up when it gets stuck.
More gas or gas pain often follows meals built around foods that are more likely to make gas. In most cases, simple changes in eating habits can lessen bothersome gas. And remember that most people pass gas up to 20 times a day. Burping is normal, especially during or right after a meal. Gas can be inconvenient or embarrassing, but burping and passing gas are rarely a sign of a medical problem on their own.
Symptoms: What Gas and Gas Pains Feel Like
Excessive burping.
Passing excessive gas.
Pain, cramps, or a knotted feeling in your stomach.
Bloating: a feeling of fullness or pressure in your belly.
Distention: a noticeable increase in the size of your belly.
Bloating and distention sound alike but are different: bloating is the feeling of fullness, while distention is the visible swelling of your belly.
When Gas Means Something More Serious
Gas itself is almost never dangerous. The question is whether gas is the only symptom you have. Talk to a healthcare professional if your gas or gas pains won't go away or are bad enough to interfere with daily life. Gas with other symptoms may point to a more serious condition. See a healthcare professional if you also have any of these:
Bloody stools.
A change in the consistency of your stools.
A change in how often you have bowel movements.
Weight loss.
Constipation or diarrhea.
Ongoing or recurrent nausea or vomiting.
Seek immediate care if you have prolonged stomach pain or chest pain.
Symptom pattern | What it suggests |
Gas alone, comes and goes | Normal digestion. Dietary changes usually help. |
Gas plus visible belly swelling (distention) | Trapped gas or a functional gut issue. |
Gas with blood in the stool, weight loss, or vomiting | A possible underlying condition. See a doctor. |
Severe or prolonged stomach or chest pain | A medical emergency. Seek immediate care. |
What Causes Gas and Gas Pains?
Gas has two distinct origins, and each one works differently.
Stomach gas is usually caused by swallowing air when you eat or drink. Most of it is released when you burp.
Colon gas forms in your large intestine (the colon) when bacteria ferment certain foods that weren't digested in your small intestine. Bacteria also use up some of that gas, and the rest is passed as flatus. That is why two people can eat the same meal and have very different gas experiences: digestion, gut bacteria, and eating habits all play a part.
Foods and habits that increase gas
Certain high-fiber foods may cause gas, including beans and peas (legumes), fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber is essential for keeping your digestive tract working well, and it also helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. The goal isn't to cut out fiber, but to manage portions and pace.
Dietary factor | How it adds gas |
Carbonated beverages (soda, beer) | Increase stomach gas. |
Eating too quickly, drinking through a straw, chewing gum, sucking on candies, talking while chewing | Make you swallow more air. |
Fiber supplements containing psyllium | May increase colon gas. |
Sugar substitutes (sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol) | Can cause excess colon gas in sugar-free foods and drinks. |
Medical conditions behind excess gas
Sometimes gas isn't about food at all. Medical conditions that may increase intestinal gas, bloating, or gas pain include:
Intestinal conditions. Excess gas is often a symptom of ongoing conditions such as celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or gastroparesis.
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). An increase or change in the bacteria in your small intestine can cause excess gas, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Food intolerances. Gas or bloating can happen when your digestive system can't break down and absorb certain foods, such as lactose (the sugar in dairy products) or gluten (proteins in wheat and other grains). Learn more about food intolerances.
Constipation. Constipation can make it hard to pass gas, which makes the trapped-gas feeling worse.
How Doctors Figure Out What's Causing Your Gas
A healthcare professional will usually work out the cause from three things: a medical history, a review of your eating habits, and a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor may touch your stomach to check for tenderness and anything unusual, and may listen to your belly with a stethoscope to see how well your digestive tract is working. A rectal exam may also be done, depending on your symptoms and findings. If you also have symptoms such as weight loss, blood in your stool, or diarrhea, more tests may be ordered.
Treatment Options for Gas and Gas Pains
If another health problem is causing your gas pains, treating it may bring relief. Otherwise, bothersome gas is usually managed with dietary measures, lifestyle changes, or nonprescription medicines. The solution isn't the same for everyone, but with a little trial and error, most people find some relief.
Dietary changes that help
Dietary changes may reduce how much gas your body makes or help gas move through faster. Keeping a diary of your diet and gas symptoms helps you and your care team find the best changes. You may need to cut out some foods or eat smaller portions of others.
Dietary factor | What to do |
High-fiber foods (beans, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, artichokes, asparagus, pears, apples, peaches, prunes, whole wheat, bran) | Try avoiding them for a couple of weeks, then add them back gradually. See which foods affect you most, and keep getting enough fiber. |
Dairy | Reduce dairy, or try lactose-free products or milk products with added lactase. |
Sugar substitutes | Eliminate or reduce them, or switch to a different substitute. |
Fried or fatty foods | Cut back. Dietary fat delays the clearance of gas from the intestines. |
Carbonated beverages | Avoid or reduce them. |
Fiber supplements | Talk to your care team about the right amount and type. |
Water | Drink water with meals, through the day, and with fiber supplements to prevent constipation. |
Nonprescription remedies
Several over-the-counter products may reduce gas symptoms for some people. The evidence behind them varies.
Remedy | What it does | Evidence and cautions |
Alpha-galactosidase (Beano, BeanAssist, others) | Helps break down carbohydrates in beans and other vegetables. | Taken just before a meal. |
Lactase supplements (Lactaid, Digest Dairy Plus, others) | Help you digest lactose and reduce gas symptoms if you're lactose intolerant. | Talk to your care team first if you're pregnant or breast-feeding. |
Simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas Minis, others) | Helps break up gas bubbles so gas can pass. | There is little clinical evidence that it works. |
Activated charcoal (Actidose-Aqua, CharcoCaps, others) | Taken before and after meals. | Research has not shown a clear benefit. It may interfere with how your body absorbs medicines and can stain your mouth and clothing. |
Peppermint oil | May relieve IBS symptoms and calm the gastrointestinal tract. | Studies show it may relieve IBS symptoms. |
Lifestyle changes that reduce gas
Try smaller portions. Many gas-causing foods are part of a healthy diet. Smaller portions show whether your body can handle less without excess gas.
Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and don't gulp. If slowing down is hard, put down your fork between bites.
Skip gum, hard candies, and straws. They make you swallow more air.
Check your dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can make you swallow excess air when you eat and drink. See your dentist if they don't fit well.
Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking increases the amount of air you swallow.
Exercise regularly. Exercise lowers the risk of constipation, which can block gas from leaving your colon.
What about gas odor?
If the smell of passing gas bothers you, limiting foods high in sulfur-containing compounds, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, beer, and high-protein foods, may reduce the odor. Charcoal-containing pads, underwear, and cushions can also help absorb unpleasant odors.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before you see your healthcare professional, be ready to answer questions like these:
How long have you noticed more gas or gas pains?
Does the pain go away or improve when you belch or pass gas?
How many times do you pass gas each day?
Do certain foods seem to trigger your symptoms?
Have you added any new foods or drinks recently?
What medications or dietary supplements do you take?
Do you have nausea or vomiting with your gas pains?
Have you lost weight unintentionally?
Have your bowel habits changed?
Do you drink sodas or other carbonated beverages?
Do you eat foods with sugar substitutes?
Do you often chew gum, suck on candies, or drink through a straw?
What you can do in the meantime: keep a journal of what you eat and drink, how many times a day you pass gas, and any other symptoms. Bring it to your appointment. It can help your healthcare professional spot the link between your gas and your diet.
Conclusion: Gas Is Normal, and Trapped Gas Is Fixable
Gas is a normal part of digestion, and passing it up to 20 times a day is within the healthy range for most people. Pain comes when gas gets trapped, and the fix is usually within reach: smaller portions of the foods that bother you, slower eating, less swallowed air, and, where needed, a short elimination experiment to find your personal triggers.
The most important rule is knowing the difference between normal gas and gas that signals something else. If your gas comes with blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or persistent vomiting, or if you develop severe stomach or chest pain, don't wait. Get medical care. If recurring gas pain disrupts your day, book an appointment with your doctor and bring a food-and-symptom diary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does gas hurt?
Gas pain happens when gas is trapped or isn't moving well through your digestive system. Everyone makes gas, but when it gets stuck, it can cause pain, cramps, or a knotted feeling in the stomach.
How often is it normal to pass gas?
Most people pass gas up to 20 times a day. Burping, especially during or right after a meal, is also normal. By themselves, burping and passing gas are rarely a sign of a medical problem.
Where does gas in your body come from?
Stomach gas usually comes from swallowing air while eating or drinking and is released by burping. Colon gas forms when bacteria ferment foods your small intestine didn't digest, and the rest is passed as flatus.
What foods cause the most gas?
High-fiber foods such as beans, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, pears, apples, whole wheat, and bran, plus carbonated drinks, sugar substitutes such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, psyllium fiber supplements, and fried or fatty foods.
Can gas pain be a sign of something serious?
Gas alone rarely is. See a doctor if gas comes with bloody stools, changes in stool consistency or frequency, weight loss, constipation or diarrhea, or ongoing nausea or vomiting. Seek immediate care for prolonged stomach pain or chest pain.
What helps trapped gas?
Smaller portions of trigger foods, eating slowly and chewing thoroughly, skipping gum, straws, and carbonated drinks, regular exercise, and drinking water to prevent constipation. Alpha-galactosidase or lactase supplements may help if beans or dairy are your triggers.
Do anti-gas medicines work?
It depends. Alpha-galactosidase (taken before meals) and lactase supplements may reduce symptoms for some people, and peppermint oil may relieve IBS symptoms. There is little clinical evidence for simethicone, and research hasn't shown a clear benefit for activated charcoal, which can also interfere with medicine absorption.
Is bloating the same as a swollen belly?
No. Bloating is the feeling of fullness or pressure in your belly, while distention is a noticeable increase in belly size. Both are common gas symptoms.
Can constipation cause gas pain?
Yes. Constipation can make it hard to pass gas, which traps it and worsens bloating and discomfort. Drinking water and staying active help prevent constipation.
What should I bring to a gas-pain appointment?
A food-and-symptom diary: what you eat and drink, how many times a day you pass gas, and any other symptoms. It helps your doctor spot links between your diet and your gas.
References
Ingrosso MR, Ianiro G, Nee J, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis: efficacy of peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2022;56(6):932-941. PMID 35942669. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17179
Burta O, Iacobescu C, Mateescu RB, et al. Efficacy and safety of APT036 versus simethicone in the treatment of functional bloating: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel group, clinical study. Translational Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2018;3:72. PMID 30511026. https://doi.org/10.21037/tgh.2018.09.11
Mayo Clinic. Gas and gas pains: symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. September 20, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/symptoms-causes/syc-20372709
Mayo Clinic. Gas and gas pains: diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. September 20, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
Medical disclaimer
This article was prepared for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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