Gas, bloating, burping and abdominal pain

Swallowing air, fizzy drinks and rapid eating can cause burping and pressure. Food poisoning or gastroenteritis may bring gas with cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting or fever. Acid reflux and gastritis can cause upper abdominal discomfort with frequent burping.

Coeliac disease and Crohn's disease may cause recurring bloating with bowel changes. Diverticular disease can cause lower abdominal symptoms, while gallstones may cause pain in the upper abdomen. The symptom combination is not enough to determine which condition is present.

Eat slowly, chew thoroughly and reduce fizzy drinks. Keep a simple diary of meals, bowel movements, pain location and timing. Gentle movement may help trapped gas. Avoid cutting out broad food groups without professional guidance, particularly if symptoms are recurring or nutrition is becoming difficult.

Drink fluids if you have loose stools or vomiting, and wash hands carefully if an infection seems possible. A pharmacist or clinician can advise about symptom relief after reviewing your medicines and medical history.

Seek prompt medical advice for recurring pain, ongoing bloating, altered bowel habits, fever, vomiting, blood in the stool or unexplained weight change. Get urgent help for sudden severe pain, a swollen or rigid abdomen, inability to pass stool or gas, fainting, breathing difficulty, or repeated vomiting with dehydration.

Describe the pain location and character, whether it follows food, and any diarrhoea, constipation, fever, vomiting or urinary symptoms. Ask whether testing for food-related disease, infection or another digestive condition is needed.