Gas and gas pains

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors

When to seek medical advice
Tests and diagnosis
Treatments and drugs

Definition

The urge to pass intestinal gas can strike at the worst possible moment — during an important meeting, on a crowded elevator or on a first date. And although passing intestinal gas (flatus) usually isn't serious, it can be seriously embarrassing.

Everyone passes gas, generally at least 12 or more times a day. But some people have excessive gas that bothers them most of the time. In some cases, gas you can't expel can cause intense, intermittent abdominal pain.

The good news is that although you can't stop gas from forming, a few simple measures can go a long way toward reducing the amount of gas you produce and relieving your discomfort and embarrassment.

Symptoms