Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
close window
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
When to see a doctor
By Mayo Clinic staffBy itself, intestinal gas is rarely a sign or symptom of a serious condition. It can cause discomfort and embarrassment, but it's usually just a sign of a normally functioning digestive system. If you're bothered by intestinal gas, try changing your diet.
However, see your doctor if your gas is persistent or severe, or if it's associated with vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool or heartburn.
References
- Gas in the digestive tract. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gas. Accessed Sept. 17, 2010.
- Gas-related complaints. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ch008/ch008d.html?qt=gas&alt=sh. Accessed Sept. 17, 2010.
- Belching, bloating and flatulence. The American College of Gastroenterology. http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/gihealth/belching.asp?mode=print&. Accessed Sept. 17, 2010.
Share on:
Find Mayo Clinic on