Chronic gas can be caused by bacteria in the gut, certain foods, and swallowing too much air. Excessive gas can be a sign of an underlying condition or disease, and symptoms include stomach pain, cramping, and bloating. Once the cause is identified and addressed, chronic flatulence usually goes away.
Chronic gas is caused by a variety of issues, such as bacteria in your gut, certain dietary choices, and swallowing too much air. Irritable bowel syndrome can also cause a person to experience gas symptoms, as can some prescription drugs used to treat an unrelated illness. While stomach gas is a normal occurrence, chronic gas is caused by an abnormality that needs to be addressed.
A normal person will experience flatulence an average of 14 to 20 times a day. Such is considered a normal amount of gas for both women and men. Individuals who experience gas symptoms in excess of this amount over an extended period of time, however, may have chronic gas.
A certain amount of bacteria in the large intestine is normal. Generally, stomach bacteria results from the breakdown of foods inside the stomach. When the bacteria reach an abnormal level, however, the result is often chronic gas.
Certain types of foods are known to increase the levels of bacteria in the stomach under certain circumstances. Foods that produce excess bacteria include carbohydrates, some types of sugars, dairy products, and some insoluble fibers, such as wheat bran. When these foods enter the large intestine for further processing, they often produce symptoms of excessive, foul-smelling gas.
Chronic gas symptoms typically include stomach pain, cramping, and bloating. A primary sign of excessive gas, however, is chronic flatulence. Once the cause of the excess gas has been identified and addressed, chronic flatulence usually goes away.
Swallowing too much air is a common cause of chronic gas. Generally, this is the result of cigarette smoking, chewing gum, or eating too fast. While most of the swallowed air is relieved by belching, the air in the stomach sometimes makes its way to the large intestine. Chronic behaviors that cause this type of gas also contribute to chronic flatulence.
Chronic gas can also be a sign of an underlying condition or disease. For example, individuals with problems absorbing carbohydrates are more likely to develop symptoms of excess gas. Additionally, individuals with a condition known as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease will likely experience stomach pain and bloating.
A buildup of a particular type of bacteria, known as Helicobacter pylori, that causes stomach ulcers, will also cause chronic gas symptoms. While most stomach bacteria are acquired through diet, this particular strain of bacteria can be passed between people. Researchers also believe that this bacteria increases a person’s risk of developing stomach cancer later in life.
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