Symptoms of gas problems
It is not uncommon for an average person to pass gas as much as 10 times daily. Even doubling that figure is still considered to be a normal rate of elimination. But some people build up excess gas that they cannot release easily. Others who do not produce excess gas experience problems when swallowed air moves more slowly from the stomach toward the rectum. Accumulated gas can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Abdominal bloating (distension) – Bloating is a swollen feeling in the abdomen caused by excessive gas and fluid in the intestines. Some doctors say bloating is caused by intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Also eating fatty foods can delay stomach emptying. This can also contribute to stomach bloating and discomfort,

Abdominal pain and discomfort - Some people experience cramping and intense pains when they have excessive gas in the intestine. The pains may occur anywhere in your abdomen and may be accompanied by a "knotted" feeling in the stomach. These intense pains can be mistaken for heart disease, gallstones, or appendicitis.

Belching - People who belch frequently may be swallowing too much air and releasing it before the air enters the stomach. Chronic belching may also indicate an upper gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, such as peptic ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD. Surgery to relieve GERD may inhibit normal belching and thereby produce gas and bloating.

Flatulence - Passing gas through the rectum 10 to 20 times a day is normal. However, passing too much gas may indicate a problem with digesting carbohydrates or another health condition.

When to seek help
Typically, gas symptoms do not indicate a serious condition. Usually expelling the gas eliminates any discomfort and pain. But consider calling a doctor if you experience severe, prolonged or recurrent pain in your abdomen. Also, contact a doctor if gas is so persistent or severe that it interferes with normal life routines. Call your doctor especially if abdominal pain is accompanied by:

• blood in stool
• chest pain
• fever
• nausea
• persistent gas that interferes with life routines
• prolonged pain in the abdomen
• recurrent pain in the abdomen
• severe gas that interferes with life routines
• severe pain in the abdomen
• vomiting
• weight loss

Normal gas production and elimination is not a serious health concern. However, it is important to note any change in the frequency of belching or flatulence. This can help a doctor diagnose and treat any possible related condition. To learn more about how to diagnose gas symptoms and what to expect when you visit the doctor’s office, read the next section on Diagnosing Gas Symptoms to start stopping flatulence now.