What to do when gas gets you down
Everyone has gas. Embarrassment sometimes prevents us from finding out what’s normal, what’s excessive, and what helps.
We all have it, and we all prefer not to talk about it. For one thing, gas is embarrassing: It departs the body, often audibly, through burps and flatulence. In certain circumstances, it produces tortured-sounding bowel noises called borborygmi. Gas can also be uncomfortable, causing abdominal pain and bloating—symptoms that may appear on their own or in conjunction with a problem such as irritable bowel syndrome.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
