Severe or persistent gas pain should be assessed by a healthcare provider, especially when it occurs with vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody stools.
Blood in the stool, ongoing diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue may be warning signs of a more serious condition.
Chest pain, chest pressure, or shortness of breath should not be assumed to be gas, especially if symptoms are intense or do not improve.

Gas pain happens when air builds up in the stomach or intestines, causing pressure, cramps, bloating, frequent burping or flatulence. In some cases, gas pain may also feel like chest discomfort or a heavy feeling in the belly.

Gas pain can happen after drinking carbonated beverages, eating too quickly, talking while chewing, or swallowing too much air. It may also be related to constipation, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning, intestinal parasites, or food intolerances such as lactose, fructose, or gluten intolerance.

Gas pain often improves after the trapped air is released through burping or passing gas. Treatment may involve teas such as lemon balm or anise, diet changes, exercise and, in more severe cases, medications like simethicone, dimethicone, activated charcoal or probiotics.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms associated with gas pain are:

Abdominal pain or cramping
Bloating
Flatulence, which may have a foul smell
Pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest
Frequent burping
A feeling of heaviness in the stomach
A feeling of being short of breath

Gas in the stomach or intestines can also cause abdominal spasms. These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on how sensitive each person is and how much gas has built up in the digestive system.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), gas symptoms can occur when air builds up in the digestive tract and needs to be released through belching or passing gas.

What does gas pain feel like?

Gas pain typically happens when air becomes trapped in the digestive system, causing the intestines to stretch. The pain often comes on suddenly and may feel like cramping, pressure, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the belly, ranging from mild to intense.

Gas pain can be felt in the middle or lower abdomen. It usually improves once the gas is released through belching or passing gas.

Foul-smelling gas

Foul-smelling gas can be caused by eating large amounts of protein-rich foods, such as eggs, red meat, and cheese, or foods high in fiber and sulfur, such as broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, and turnips.

These foods can increase the production of hydrogen sulfide, a gas made by intestinal bacteria that has a smell similar to rotten eggs.

Gas during pregnancy

Excess gas during pregnancy is common and is usually caused by slower digestion, reduced bowel movements, constipation, and relaxation of the body’s muscles. These changes are often related to increased progesterone levels, which can make it easier for gas to build up in the digestive system.

Gas during pregnancy can cause symptoms such as severe belly pain, frequent burping, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

Confirming a diagnosis

To determine whether pain is related to gas, it is helpful to monitor when the pain occurs and which symptoms appear after eating certain foods, drinking specific beverages, taking supplements or medications, or doing certain activities. This can help identify factors that may be contributing to gas pain.

A primary care provider or gastroenterologist should be consulted if the cause is unclear, or if gas pain occurs with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or bloody or fatty stools.

To confirm a diagnosis, the doctor will assess the person’s symptoms and health history. Additional tests, such as a food tolerance test, colonoscopy, or blood work, may also be ordered to rule out other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerance, or food poisoning.

Main causes

The main causes of gas pain include:

Taking certain medications, such as antibiotics or antacids
Eating foods that are high in protein, fiber, or sulfur, such as beans, red meat, eggs, cauliflower, and chickpeas
Swallowing air while eating quickly, drinking, talking, or laughing
Constipation
Reflux
Food poisoning
Intestinal parasites
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Gas pain can also be caused by carbonated drinks, such as soda, sparkling wine, and sparkling water, or by the use of sweeteners. It may also be linked to digestive conditions, such as indigestion, celiac disease, or intolerance to lactose, fructose, or gluten.

Can excess gas be a sign of cancer?

Excess gas is not usually a sign of cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warning signs of colorectal cancer can include blood in the stool, abdominal pain or cramps, and changes in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation.

These symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare provider, especially if they are persistent or occur with unexplained weight loss or fatigue.

Foods that cause gas pain

Some foods, such as beans, sweet potatoes, and oats, can lead to gas build-up and gas pain because they are rich in fiber and carbohydrates. During digestion, these nutrients are fermented by gut bacteria, which can increase gas production and flatulence.

Cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage can also cause gas and make it smell stronger. This is because they contain glucosinolates, plant compounds that contain sulfur and contribute to the production of strong-smelling gases.

Read more about foods that cause flatulence and see which foods you should avoid.

Treatment options

Some ways to eliminate gas include the use of home remedies, diet, exercise, and, in some cases, medication.

1. Home remedies

Some home remedies for gas, such as lemon balm, anise or mint tea, may help relieve gas. These teas have natural antispasmodic and carminative properties, which can help promote bowel movements and reduce gas buildup.

Read more about teas for bloating and gas and how to prepare them.

2. Diet

A diet to reduce gas pain should include foods that are easy to digest and help support healthy gut function.

Foods that may need to be avoided include legumes, such as beans, peas, and chickpeas; vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli; fried foods, such as french fries and fried chicken; and sweeteners like sorbitol, maltitol, and xylitol.

3. Exercise

Some types of exercise, such as walking, yoga, and cycling, can help relieve gas by stimulating the muscles involved in bowel movements. This helps move trapped gas through the intestines and prevent it from building up again.

Another option is to gently compress the abdomen by lying on your back and hugging your knees to your chest.

4. Medications

For severe gas pain or discomfort, a healthcare provider may recommend an over-the-counter anti-gas medicine, such as simethicone. Other options, such as activated charcoal or probiotics, may be considered in some cases, depending on the cause of the gas.

Gas Pain: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment