It’s normal to feel bloated or gassy every now and then. But if you’re dealing with symptoms of a long-term digestive issue, talking to a doctor is important.
Most of us know that bloated feeling—your stomach feels full and stretched out, and your clothes suddenly feel too tight around the waist. You’ve probably felt this after a big holiday meal or eating too much junk food. A little bloating now and then is nothing to worry about.
Burping, especially after eating, is totally normal too. And passing gas? That’s healthy—air that goes in has to come out. Most people pass gas around 15 to 21 times a day.
But things change when bloating, burping, and gas become a regular part of your life. If gas isn’t moving through your intestines like it should, it can lead to serious stomach pain.
You don’t have to put up with constant discomfort. Figuring out the cause is the first step to fixing the problem.
Below are some reasons you might be dealing with too much gas, bloating, and pain—plus signs it’s time to see a doctor.
Reaction to Food
You swallow some air when you eat. A few things that can make you take in too much air:
- Talking while eating
- Eating or drinking too fast
- Drinking fizzy beverages
- Using a straw
- Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy
- Wearing dentures that don’t fit right
Some foods also create more gas than others, like:
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Lentils
- Onions
- Sprouts
You might also have trouble digesting certain things, such as:
- Artificial sweeteners (mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol)
- Fiber supplements
- Gluten
- Fructose
- Lactose
If your symptoms only happen sometimes, keeping a food diary can help you spot the problem foods and avoid them. If you think you have a food intolerance or allergy, check with your doctor.
Constipation
You might not even realize you’re constipated until bloating kicks in. The longer it’s been since your last bowel movement, the more gassy and bloated you’ll likely feel.
Everyone gets constipated occasionally, and it often fixes itself. You can also try eating more fiber, drinking extra water, or using over-the-counter (OTC) constipation remedies. If it keeps happening, see your doctor.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
With EPI, your pancreas doesn’t make enough digestive enzymes, making it hard to absorb nutrients. Besides gas, bloating, and stomach pain, EPI can cause:
- Pale stools
- Greasy, foul-smelling stools
- Stools that stick to the toilet or float and won’t flush
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
Treatment might include diet changes, lifestyle adjustments, and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a long-term condition affecting the large intestine, making you extra sensitive to gas. This can lead to:
- Stomach pain, cramps, discomfort
- Bloating
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation)
Sometimes called colitis, spastic colon, or nervous colon, IBS can be managed with lifestyle changes, probiotics, and medication.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis inflames the large intestine and rectum, while Crohn’s affects the entire digestive tract lining. Along with bloating, gas, and pain, you might have:
- Bloody stools
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Severe diarrhea
- Weight loss
Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal meds, surgery, or nutritional support.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis is when weak spots in your colon form pouches. Diverticulitis happens when those pouches trap bacteria and get inflamed, causing:
- Stomach tenderness
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fever
- Nausea, vomiting
Depending on severity, you might need meds, diet changes, or even surgery.
Gastroparesis
This disorder slows stomach emptying, leading to bloating, nausea, and bowel blockages. Treatment can include meds, diet adjustments, or sometimes surgery.
When to See Your Doctor
Occasional bloating or gas usually isn’t a big deal. But some conditions causing these symptoms can be serious—even life-threatening. See your doctor if:
- OTC remedies or diet changes don’t help
- You’re losing weight without reason
- You have no appetite
- You have frequent constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Bloating, gas, or heartburn won’t go away
- Your stools have blood or mucus
- Your bowel habits change drastically
- Symptoms interfere with daily life
Get emergency care if:
- Stomach pain is severe
- Diarrhea is extreme
- You have chest pain
- You’re running a high fever
Your doctor will likely start with a full medical history and physical exam. Be sure to mention all your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. The specific combination of symptoms can help guide tests.
Once you have a diagnosis, you can start managing symptoms and improving your quality of life.