What Are the Causes of Abdominal Gas?

Abdominal gas is a pressure in the digestive tract that causes sharp abdominal pain or cramping, abdominal bloating or the passing of gas through belching or flatulence. Most people develop abdominal gas each day and it has many causes.

Swallowing Air

• According to the Mayo Clinic, people may develop gas after swallowing air when they eat very fast, chew gum or are nervous.

Fiber

• Fiber consumption from foods such as fruits, vegetables or legumes can result in excess amounts of gas in the stomach.

Antibiotic Use

• The use of antibiotics can disrupt the normal bacterial balance in the digestive tract and cause a patient to experience gas and gas pains.

Constipation

• Constipation can cause an increase in gas pain due to an inability to pass gas.

Food Intolerances

• Dairy foods can cause abdominal gas in people whose digestive tracts cannot tolerate lactose. Grains that contain gluten can contribute to gas and gas pains in people who are sensitive to gluten.