Gas retention

Gas retention describes excess gas in the digestive tract that stays trapped and causes bloating, distention, belching or abdominal discomfort. Gas symptoms are common and differ between people; some gas is normal around meals, and it becomes a problem when it is frequent, troublesome or interferes with normal activities. Gas arises from swallowed air, for example with fizzy drinks, fast eating, chewing gum or smoking, and from bacteria in the large intestine fermenting undigested carbohydrates. Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, food or carbohydrate intolerance, coeliac disease and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can add to it. Affected people report a full or enlarged abdomen, pain, rumbling and passing gas, and bloating that persists can occasionally signal a serious problem. Doctors diagnose causes from history and examination, with tests if a condition is suspected. Management combines swallowing less air, diet and exercise changes, treating any underlying disorder, and medicines or supplements.

Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. See a doctor for heartburn more than twice a week, a change in bowel habit lasting more than three weeks, or unexplained weight loss. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.