Gas in the Digestive Tract

A gas is a substance that has no fixed size or shape. The gas inside your digestive tract is made of air and other gases. Gas typically leaves your digestive tract through your mouth when you belch or through your anus when you pass gas.

Common symptoms related to gas in the digestive tract include belching, bloating and distention, and passing gas. Gas normally enters your digestive tract when you swallow air and when bacteria in your large intestine break down certain undigested carbohydrates.

Doctors may diagnose the causes of gas with a medical history and physical exam. Doctors may order medical tests if they suspect that certain health conditions may be causing an increase in gas or gas symptoms.

To reduce or prevent excess gas or gas symptoms, your doctor may recommend swallowing less air, changing your eating and drinking habits or diet, or taking medicines or supplements. The medicines or supplements your doctor recommends will depend on your symptoms and health conditions.

If you have problems with gas symptoms, your doctor may recommend changing your eating and drinking habits, changing your diet, or following a special diet to help treat certain health conditions. Talk with your doctor or dietitian about a healthy eating plan that may help with gas symptoms.

The NIDDK conducts and supports clinical trials in many diseases and conditions, including digestive diseases. The trials look to find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease and improve quality of life.