Three Potential Reasons That You May Be Excessively Gassy
It's fairly normal to pass gas between 10 and 20 times each day, but you may find that you're exceeding this number by a considerable margin. While various things that you eat may cause you to be a little gassier from time to time, you might feel concerned if you find that you're almost always gassier than you think you should be. Even if you feel a little embarrassed about this subject matter, it's worth bringing to the attention of your family doctor. You can do so during your next physical, but if you want help sooner, don't be afraid to schedule an appointment. Here are some potential reasons that you might be excessively gassy.
Food Intolerances
Intolerance to certain foods can cause digestive distress, which often results in lots of gas. Your doctor will likely ask if you notice that your gas is worse when you eat certain things. They may even recommend that you keep a food journal to look for trends. It's possible that your doctor will send you for testing to determine what foods your body is having trouble digesting. Many people have an intolerance to dairy products, for example, which can often lead to bloating and gas.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Another potential reason for your excessive gas is irritable bowel syndrome, which is a condition that affects a lot of people. IBS symptoms can vary, but it's common for those who have this condition to be gassier than average. Diagnosing IBS can be difficult, but your doctor will likely recommend that you have more or more tests, including a colonoscopy, to determine if it's probable that you have IBS. If so, your doctor will give you extensive advice about how to manage this condition to keep its various symptoms at bay.
Sedentary Lifestyle
People can sometimes be gassier than average because of a sedentary lifestyle. If you sit too much at work and have sedentary hobbies such as watching TV or playing video games, your digestive system can become sluggish — potentially resulting in bloating and a buildup of gas. You can expect that your doctor will inquire about your lifestyle if you complain of excess gas. If you describe a lifestyle that is highly sedentary, your doctor will recommend getting a certain amount of exercise each day to see if this improves your issue. To learn more about why you seem to be gassier than usual, visit your family doctor.