Gas (Flatulence)

Diagnosis

Usually a person with flatulence is aware of passing gas. Sometimes, it is more troublesome to other family members or co-workers.

To investigate the cause, examine your lifestyle, especially the way you eat your meals:

• Do you often gulp your food on the run?

• Do you drink many carbonated beverages or eat a lot of high-fiber fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and sugar-free or diet foods? Keep a diary to record what you eat and drink and the severity of your symptoms.

• Are any prescription and nonprescription medications you take, including any diet drinks or diet meals, causing your flatulence? If you suspect that your problem is medication related, don't stop taking your medicine. Call your doctor for advice.

• Are you lactose intolerant? Consider stopping all milk-based products for two weeks.

Expected Duration

How long flatulence lasts depends on its cause. If flatulence is related to eating habits or dietary factors, it often goes away quickly once you identify the source of the problem and make the necessary changes in diet or lifestyle.