Gas in the stomach can be caused by swallowing too much air when eating or chewing gum, consuming too many carbonated drinks or foods that cause gas, or poor digestion, and can be alleviated with changes in habits.
However, excess gas in the stomach can also occur due to gastrointestinal problems, such as gastritis, gastric ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux, and be accompanied by symptoms such as heartburn or stomach pain, for example.
When gas in the stomach is excessive, becomes constant or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a gastroenterologist to identify its cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of gas in the stomach
The main symptoms of gas in the stomach are:
- Swollen belly;
- Feeling of heaviness in the stomach;
- Frequent burping;
- Nausea;
- Discomfort in the belly;
- Chest pain, which can be confused with a heart attack.
Furthermore, when caused by gastrointestinal problems, other symptoms may be present, such as heartburn, a burning sensation in the stomach or a lump in the throat or stomach pain, for example.
It is important to consult a gastroenterologist if gas in the stomach is frequent or constant, or accompanied by symptoms of gastrointestinal problems so that the cause can be identified and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you!
Main causes
The main causes of gas in the stomach are:
1. Swallowing a lot of air
Swallowing a lot of air, which is scientifically called aerophagia, can cause air to accumulate in the stomach, resulting in excess gas in the stomach and causing it to dilate.
In addition, it can also cause other symptoms, such as a feeling of bloated belly, heaviness in the stomach, frequent burping or excess intestinal gas.
Some situations that can cause you to swallow a lot of air are eating too quickly, chewing gum frequently, talking a lot or talking while eating, smoking or drinking liquids through a straw, for example.
What to do: You should eat slowly, chewing your food well, avoid chewing gum or talking while eating, to avoid swallowing too much air, and reduce the accumulation of gas in the stomach. See other ways to treat aerophagia.
2. Consuming foods that cause gas
Consuming foods that cause gas, such as beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, lentils, onions or garlic, for example, can cause gas in the stomach or intestine due to the fermentation of these foods.
Furthermore, consuming foods rich in sugar or fiber can also increase the amount of gas in the stomach or intestine.
How to deal with: It is important to adopt a balanced diet and reduce the consumption of foods that increase gas production, to help reduce the formation of gas in the stomach.
3. Consuming excessive carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks are those that contain carbon dioxide, such as soft drinks, sparkling water, energy drinks or beer, for example, which when consumed in excess can result in excess gas in the stomach.
How to deal with: You should avoid consuming carbonated drinks frequently or in excess, giving preference to non-carbonated drinks, such as water, natural juices or teas, for example. Check out some tea options for gas.
4. Poor digestion
Poor digestion can occur after overeating and mixing foods rich in fiber with foods rich in fat, for example, slowing down digestion and resulting in excess gas in the stomach.
Furthermore, other symptoms of poor digestion include a feeling of full stomach, gas, abdominal discomfort, frequent belching and nausea.
Poor digestion can also be caused by gastrointestinal problems such as gastritis, ulcers or fatty liver.
What to do: It is recommended to have a lighter diet, avoiding foods rich in fat. However, when poor digestion is frequent, a gastroenterologist should be consulted to assess its cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment, if necessary. See how poor digestion is treated.
5. Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining that generally causes stomach pain, but can be accompanied by gas in the stomach, excessive belching, a full stomach or a burning sensation, for example.
Gastritis is more common in people who have a poor diet, but it can also occur in people who are more stressed, which can result in a change in the pH of the stomach, which can contribute to inflammation.
What to do: a gastroenterologist should be consulted to carry out tests and diagnose gastritis and, therefore, the most appropriate treatment can be indicated, which generally involves the use of antacid medicines or inhibitors of acid production by the stomach, such as omeprazole or esomeprazole, for example. example. Check out the main remedies for gastritis.
6. Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is the return of stomach contents towards the mouth, causing symptoms such as a burning sensation in the stomach that can reach the throat and chest, heaviness or gas in the stomach.
Other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux include a lump in the throat, constant belching or a frequent dry cough, which worsens at night.
What to do: You should consult a gastroenterologist to begin the most appropriate treatment, which generally involves the use of medicines that reduce stomach acidity, such as omeprazole, vonoprazane or cimetidine, for example.
In addition, changes should also be made to your diet, such as avoiding fatty foods, alcoholic beverages and processed foods, and it is also recommended to eat at least 3 hours before going to bed, as this makes it possible to avoid the contents of the stomach returning to the mouth. . See more details on reflux treatment.
7. Gastric ulcer
Gastric ulcers are most often the result of chronic gastritis or bacterial infection. H. pyloriwhich constantly irritate the gastric mucosa due to the acid produced in the stomach, favoring the appearance of wounds.
The most common symptoms of gastric ulcers are stomach pain, a constant feeling of a bloated stomach, nausea, vomiting, gas in the stomach or constant belching, for example. Know how to identify all the symptoms of gastric ulcers.
What to do: Treatment is carried out by a gastroenterologist using medicines to reduce stomach acidity, such as omeprazole, esomeprazole or antacids, to facilitate the healing of ulcers. Furthermore, a change in eating habits is important. See what the diet for gastric ulcers should be like.
8. Gastroparesia
Gastroparesis is stomach paralysis that causes the stomach to be unable to carry out the movements to digest and send food to the intestine, resulting in gas in the stomach, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or abdominal bloating.
This condition can be caused by delayed gastric emptying or some obstruction, and is usually related to diabetes or the use of medication, such as semaglutide, for example.
What to do: The treatment of gastroparesis is carried out by a gastroenterologist and generally involves the use of medicines to alleviate symptoms, in addition to adequate nutrition. See how gastroparesis is treated.
9. Lactose intolerance
Lactose intolerance is the deficiency or absence of the lactase enzyme that can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain that can begin a few hours after ingesting dairy products and be accompanied by excess gas in the stomach or intestines or nausea.
The intensity of these symptoms can vary according to each person’s degree of intolerance. Know how to identify all the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
What to do: you should avoid consuming dairy products, such as cow’s or goat’s milk, cheese, yogurt or whey protein, for example, in addition to consulting a gastroenterologist who can perform tests to confirm the diagnosis and recommend the use of medicines with lactase. See the main remedies for lactose intolerance.
