Gas and Bloating
Gas and bloating are common digestive symptoms. Although occasional gas is a normal part of healthy digestion, ongoing bloating, excessive wind or abdominal discomfort may require medical assessment to identify an underlying cause.
Is it normal to have gas?
Yes. Passing wind and burping are normal parts of digestion. Most people pass wind several times a day. However, excessive gas, bloating, abdominal distension, or bothersome symptoms are not something you simply have to live with and may be worth investigating.
What causes gas and bloating?
There are many possible causes, including swallowing excess air, dietary factors, food intolerances (such as lactose or fructose), constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), coeliac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and, less commonly, other gastrointestinal conditions.
When should I seek medical assessment?
You should seek medical review if symptoms are persistent, worsening, associated with weight loss, iron deficiency, rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or if they significantly affect your quality of life.
How are gas and bloating investigated?
Assessment begins with a detailed history and examination. Depending on your symptoms, investigations may include blood tests, coeliac screening, breath testing for food intolerances or SIBO, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, or imaging.
How are gas and bloating treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary modification, treatment of constipation, management of food intolerances, medications, or treatment of conditions such as coeliac disease or SIBO. Many patients experience significant improvement once the underlying cause is identified.
Do I need a consultation?
Yes. While gas and bloating are very common, persistent or troublesome symptoms should not be ignored. A consultation allows us to identify the cause, exclude more serious conditions where appropriate, and develop a personalised treatment plan.
Have questions about a condition?
Our team is happy to answer your questions and discuss your treatment options.