Abdominal discomfort and pain are common complaints experienced by many people. The question often arises: is it just a buildup of gas, or is the body trying to signal a more serious issue? Not all unpleasant sensations in the abdominal area are cause for panic; however, it is important to recognize warning signs. Leading gastroenterology specialist Dr. Pedro Mora, head of the specialized department at Centro Medico-Quirurgico de Enfermedades Digestivas in Madrid, shared key aspects to help understand the situation.
The main symptoms indicating trapped gas are pain and abdominal bloating. If these symptoms are not accompanied by other worrying signs such as blood in the stool, loss of appetite or weight, anemia, or persistent diarrhea, then the discomfort is most likely due to gas. The pain may be felt throughout the abdomen, but it often concentrates in the upper part, as gas tends to rise and accumulate in the bends of the colon.
Among the main factors provoking excessive gas formation, experts highlight stress, hurried eating, and certain foods in the diet. Diet plays a significant role in this process. Food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten, often lead to increased fermentation in the intestines and, as a result, bloating. Therefore, if you regularly experience problems with gas, it is important to analyze your diet.
The key task is to distinguish ordinary discomfort from symptoms of acute conditions. In cases such as appendicitis, biliary colic, or intestinal obstruction, the pain is much more intense and persistent. For example, with appendicitis, the pain gradually increases and is clearly localized in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. In cases of intestinal obstruction or colic, the pain may be cramping, intensifying during spasms and easing during periods of relaxation.
To accurately diagnose the causes of abdominal pain, a doctor may order a series of tests. Depending on the clinical picture, these may include blood tests (including tests for celiac disease), stool analysis, tests for bacterial overgrowth or food intolerance, as well as instrumental methods such as abdominal ultrasound, gastroscopy, or colonoscopy. The choice of specific procedures is always up to the attending physician.
The impact of psycho-emotional state should not be underestimated. The entire functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is regulated by the nervous system, so anxiety, stress, or depression can directly trigger digestive symptoms. In some cases, medications affecting the nervous system are used to improve patients’ condition.
There are several ways to relieve pain caused by gas. These include natural remedies based on fennel, anise, or mint, digestive enzymes, gas-dissolving medications (such as simethicone), as well as drugs that enhance intestinal motility. To prevent gas buildup, simple rules are recommended: eat slowly and chew food thoroughly, avoid long gaps between meals and overeating, and engage in regular physical activity. It is also advisable to limit carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, and fatty foods, choosing fresh products instead. Since individual reactions to food may vary, it can be helpful to keep a food diary to identify trigger foods, possibly with the help of a nutritionist.
