Symptoms of Flatulence

Flatulence itself is passing gas, but it often comes with other symptoms that point to the cause.

Typical symptoms

• Passing gas more often than usual, sometimes with an odour
• Bloating, a feeling of fullness or tightness in the belly
• Belching (burping)
• Abdominal cramps or discomfort that eases after passing gas or stool
• Rumbling or gurgling sounds from the stomach
• Visible swelling of the abdomen, especially later in the day

Symptoms that suggest a cause

• Gas and diarrhoea after dairy: possible lactose intolerance
• Gas with constipation or alternating bowel habits: possible IBS or constipation
• Gas with greasy, pale stools, weight loss or tiredness: possible coeliac disease or malabsorption
• Gas after eating beans, onions or cabbage: food fermentation

When gas is not normal

See a doctor if flatulence comes with:

• Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Fever
• A change in bowel habit lasting weeks, especially over age 50
• Difficulty swallowing

Do not mistake chest pain for gas

Chest pain, pressure, sweating, breathlessness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw can be a heart attack. Call 112 or 102 at once.

Symptoms in children

Babies often pass gas and swallow air while feeding or crying. See a paediatrician if a baby has a swollen hard belly, vomiting, blood in stool, fever or will not feed.

Tracking

A simple diary of meals, symptoms and bowel habits can help your doctor find the cause.