Introduction

When people seek medical help for stomach aches, they often cite stress or diet as the most likely cause of their problem. They are usually right, but abdominal pain can also stem from conditions such as appendicitis, gallbladder disease and ulcers. In addition, infections and certain medications can cause spasms and cramping. That's why abdominal distress that lingers or worsens should prompt a call to your doctor.

Most commonly, though, stomach pain and bloating result from the normal production and passage of gas. Everyone passes gas each day—in fact, most people expel a daily total of about a quart of gas in 10 to 20 separate episodes. Experts say that passing gas more than twice as often as that is considered excessive.

The good news is that flatulence—the medical term for passing gas—almost never signals a serious medical problem. Instead, it usually stems from eating and lifestyle habits that you can easily change if you need to.

If you suffer from gas pains or excessive flatulence, answer yes or no to these questions:

YES NO

Do you eat a high-fiber diet that includes a lot of fruits, vegetables, beans, cereals and whole grains?

Do you drink a quart of milk or more each day?

Do you swallow a lot of air?

Are you under a great deal of stress?

Do you sometimes hyperventilate—breathe overly deeply or rapidly?

Do you eat and drink very quickly?

Do you regularly consume beer or soda?

Do you often drink through a straw?

Do you smoke?

Do you chew gum regularly?

Do you always lie down after meals?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be on your way to solving your gas problem. The main causes of normal gas production are high-fiber foods, milk intolerance, swallowing air and lying down after eating.