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                    Gas in the Digestive Tract
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    Related Topics
        Digestive Diseases
        Abdominal Adhesions
                Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults
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                Anatomic Problems of the Lower GI Tract
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        About the Lower GI Tract
                Anorectal Malformations (Imperforate Anus)
                Colonic Atresia & Stenosis
                Malrotation
                Intussusception
                Colonic & Anorectal Fistulas
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                Colonic Volvulus
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                Bowel Control Problems (Fecal Incontinence)
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                Celiac Disease
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                Chronic Diarrhea in Children
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                Colon Polyps
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                Constipation
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                Constipation in Children
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                Dumping Syndrome
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                Gas in the Digestive Tract
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                Gastritis & Gastropathy
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                Pancreatitis
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                Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”)
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                Your Digestive System & How it Works
                Zollinger-Ellison SyndromeGas in the Digestive Tract

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    Definition & Facts
    A gas is a substance that has no fixed size or shape. The gas inside your digestive tract is made of air and other gases. Gas typically leaves your digestive tract through your mouth when you belch or through your anus when you pass gas.
man suffers from stomachache

    Symptoms & Causes
    Common symptoms related to gas in the digestive tract include belching, bloating and distention, and passing gas. Gas normally enters your digestive tract when you swallow air and when bacteria in your large intestine break down certain undigested carbohydrates.


Diagnosis
    Doctors may diagnose the causes of gas with a medical history and physical exam. Doctors may order medical tests if they suspect that certain health conditions may be causing an increase in gas or gas symptoms.

    Treatment
    To reduce or prevent excess gas or gas symptoms, your doctor may recommend swallowing less air, changing your eating and drinking habits or diet, or taking medicines or supplements. The medicines or supplements your doctor recommends will depend on your symptoms and health conditions.


Eating, Diet, & Nutrition
    If you have problems with gas symptoms, your doctor may recommend changing your eating and drinking habits, changing your diet, or following a special diet to help treat certain health conditions. Talk with your doctor or dietitian about a healthy eating plan that may help with gas symptoms.

    Clinical Trials
    The NIDDK conducts and supports clinical trials in many diseases and conditions, including digestive diseases. The trials look to find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease and improve quality of life.

    Related Conditions & Diseases
    Acid Reflux (GER and GERD) in Adults
    Celiac Disease
    Constipation
    Diarrhea
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    Lactose Intolerance


Your Digestive System & How It Works
    The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract—also called the digestive tract—and the liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus.


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    This content is also available in:
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Related Research
    See more about digestive diseases research at NIDDK.
        Last Reviewed June 2021

    

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                Definition & Facts

                This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
    The NIDDK would like to thank:
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