Extreme gas and bloating: what to know

Gas forms when gut bacteria break down food, and extra air can be swallowed while eating quickly, chewing gum or drinking fizzy drinks. Constipation can trap gas and make the abdomen feel tight. Food Intolerance, Lactose Intolerance and Irritable Bowel Syndrome may cause symptoms after particular foods. Coeliac Disease, Giardiasis or Helicobacter Pylori Infection are other possibilities when bloating persists with diarrhoea, weight loss, anaemia, nausea or upper abdominal discomfort. Bloating by itself does not identify one cause.

Eat slowly, chew thoroughly and try smaller meals. Reduce fizzy drinks and notice whether beans, onions, dairy or other foods reliably trigger symptoms, without cutting out major food groups for a long period without advice. Gentle walking may help movement through the bowel. Treat constipation with fluids, activity and gradual fibre changes if appropriate for you. A symptom diary can help a clinician or Nutrition Counselling service identify patterns. Avoid repeated restrictive diets or unproven supplements.

Arrange medical review for new or persistent bloating, especially with unintentional weight loss, ongoing diarrhoea or constipation, blood in stool, vomiting, fever, difficulty swallowing or reduced appetite. Seek urgent care for a swollen painful abdomen with repeated vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, faintness, or sudden severe pain.

Could constipation, intolerance or another digestive condition explain this pattern? Should I be tested before changing my diet? Which foods or medicines might worsen gas? What symptoms require urgent review?