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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor will likely determine what's causing your gas and gas pains based on your medical history, a review of your dietary habits and a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor may check to see if your abdomen is distended and listen for a hollow sound when your abdomen is tapped. A hollow sound usually indicates the presence of excess gas.
Depending on your other symptoms, your doctor may recommend further tests in order to rule out conditions that are more serious, such as partial bowel obstruction.
- Gas in the digestive tract. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gas. Accessed March 3, 2009.
- Belching, bloating and flatulence. American College of Gastroenterology. http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/gihealth/belching.asp. Accessed March 3, 2009.
- Villoria A, et al. Physical activity and intestinal gas clearance in patients with bloating. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2006;101:2552.
- Controlling intestinal gas. International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. http://aboutincontinence.org/site/about-incontinence/treatment/gas. Accessed March 3, 2009.
- Abraczinskas D. Intestinal gas and bloating. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 3, 2009.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. March 13, 2009.
