Gas is a normal, yet often uncomfortable, part of the digestive process. It's a by-product of many of the foods we eat.
But sometimes the same bloating and pain can be symptoms of a health condition, in which case a doctor's visit is in order. Usually other signs will indicate when stomach gas isn’t to blame.
Is It Just Intestinal Gas?
Keep in mind that some people pass gas more than 20 times a day, and that’s considered normal, so what you may think is excessive gas may be a rather ordinary amount. Keeping and reviewing a diet journal could easily help you identify the source of the problem as one of the many gas-producing foods. Here are some simple ways to tell if intestinal gas is behind your bloating and discomfort:
You feel the urge to pass gas or to belch. You get relief from the bloating and pain when you pass gas. Your pain and bloating don't persist or worsen. Excessive gas and bloating get better when you make changes to your diet, like eliminating dairy, cutting back on fiber, or limiting high-fat foods. Pain and bloating improve when you swallow less air, which is what happens when, for example, you chew gum or eat too quickly. What Else Could It Be?
Although not usually a sign of serious illness, excessive gas can be a warning sign of an underlying medical issue. Excessive gas could be a sign of an abnormality with your digestive system, for example. Also, what you think are gas pains could actually be any one of a number of health problems.
If it comes and goes away, then probably gas. But if persistent and lasts for more than an hour, then please go see your doctor it could be more serious.
Depends on where it is. If it's so bad you can't stand up - could be a hernia or appendicitis or a gall bladder attack.