What is the difference between bloating and flatulence

Belching or burping eructation is the voluntary or involuntary, sometimes noisy release of air from the stomach or esophagus through the mouth. Burping 3 or 4 times after eating a meal is normal and is usually caused by swallowing air. Other causes of burping include nervous habits or other medical conditions, such as an ulcer or a gallbladder problem. In some cultures, a person may belch loudly after eating to show appreciation for the meal.

All people pass gas, but some people produce more gas than others. It is normal to pass gas from 6 to 20 times a day. Although this may embarrass or annoy you, excess intestinal gas usually is not caused by a serious health condition. Dyspepsia is a medical term that is used to describe a vague feeling of fullness, gnawing, or burning in the chest or upper abdomen, especially after eating.

A person may describe this feeling as "gas. Causes of dyspepsia can vary from minor to serious. Occasionally, a person may dismiss serious symptoms, such as symptoms of a heart attack , as "just gas or indigestion. Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor. Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:. You have answered all the questions.

Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home. Many nonprescription and prescription medicines and supplements can cause gas and bloating. A few examples are:. For men and women, the most common symptom is chest pain or pressure. But women are somewhat more likely than men to have other symptoms, like shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain. After you call , the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength mg or 2 to 4 low-dose 81 mg aspirin.

Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself. Sometimes people don't want to call They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call for medical transport to the hospital.

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care. Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care. Gas, bloating, and burping are usually harmless and go away without any treatment. If gas, bloating, or burping is making you uncomfortable, take the following steps to help manage your symptoms:. Hiccups are usually harmless and go away without any treatment.

But if hiccups are making you uncomfortable, the following safe and easy home remedies may help you manage your symptoms. Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:. To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment. You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:. Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H.

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Topic Overview Gas flatus , burping, and bloating are all normal conditions. Common causes of gas and bloating include: Swallowed air. If swallowed air is not burped up, it passes through the digestive tract and is released through the anus as flatus. Excessive air swallowing may cause hiccups. Foods and beverages. The amount of gas that different foods cause varies from person to person.

Lactose intolerance. Understanding the differences between stomach bloat and belly fat can help you determine the cause and take appropriate interventions. Trapped gas can be acutely painful. It's usually not serious, but may be a sign of a food intolerance or an underlying digestive problem.

Learn about…. If you experience bloating, certain supplements could help alleviate the discomfort. This article walks you through 7 supplements to consider. Bloating can be an uncomfortable issue caused by a variety of factors.

Here are 8 ways to debloat. Lead in water pipes can cause a number of long lasting health effects, and experts say children are particularly vulnerable to them. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Causes Treatment When to seek help We include products we think are useful for our readers. Why do you feel bloated? Patients with altered anatomy due to surgery or those with certain rheumatologic diseases may be at an increased risk of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine which can lead to belching, bloating or flatulence.

Some patients, particularly women who have had one or more pregnancies, experience abdominal distension when standing erect. This is often assumed to be gas accumulation. There are individuals who have heartburn and stomach disorders that may swallow air for relief. The diagnosis of esophageal reflux or gastric inflammation should be excluded by x-rays or endoscopy examining the esophagus and stomach with a flexible tube while the patient is sedated.

Abdominal distension when erect but not when recumbent is an indication of weak abdominal muscles. If lactose intolerance is suspected, milk can be withdrawn from the diet and symptoms observed. However, lactose can be administered orally and the hydrogen gas which is generated in susceptible people can be measured in the breath. Postnasal discharge from sinus problems can cause air swallowing and should be considered.

If bacterial overgrowth is suspected, your physician may administer a hydrogen breath test. Blood tests are not usually helpful for gaseous problems but testing for celiac disease may prove useful since failure to absorb wheat, barley, and rye can lead to excess flatulence. The time of each gas passage and food for each meal can be noted. Patients should eliminate carbonated beverages such as soda and beer.

Foods such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, beans, and bran should be avoided. Milk and other dairy foods should be avoided. Lactaid milk or non-dairy milk such as soy or almond milk can be used. Chewing gum and sucking on hard candies should be avoided. If these are the only symptoms you have, they rarely represent any serious underlying condition. Consult your doctor if your symptoms don't improve with simple changes, particularly if you also notice:.

These signs and symptoms could signal an underlying digestive condition. Intestinal symptoms can be embarrassing — but don't let embarrassment keep you from seeking help. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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See more conditions. Belching, gas and bloating: Tips for reducing them.