Gas bloat syndrome
Overview
Excessive production of gas in the gastrointestinal system which causes bloating. Causes can include gastrointestinal infection, excessive gulping of air, altered diet and malabsorption disorders. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Gas/bloat syndrome is available below. Top
Symptoms
Distended abdomen Excessive abdominal gas Excessive flatulence Abdominal pain Retch/gagging If gas bloat syndrome occurs and does not disappear with time, diet may need to be adjusted. In some cases it may be necessary to treat the condition with an endoscopic balloon dilatation.
Causes
Gas in the digestive tract (that is, the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine) comes from two sources: * Swallowed air * Normal breakdown of certain undigested foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the large intestine (colon).
Treatment
Many nonprescription, over-the-counter medicines are available to help reduce symptoms, including antacids with simethicone and activated charcoal. Digestive enzymes, such as lactase supplements, actually help digest carbohydrates and may allow people to eat foods that normally cause gas.