How to Get Rid of Foul-Smelling Gas and Bloating

Flatulence is a completely normal part of digestion and foul smelling gas and bloating is usually caused by the foods you eat. Gas is the natural byproduct of the process wherein bacteria in the intestines break down sugars and polysaccharides as they enter the colon.

While you should see a healthcare provider if excessive flatulence is accompanied by pain, cramping, or bloody stool, passing gas—even explosively so—is not considered a problem. More often than not, it is simply related to something you ate, drank, or did during the day.

Here are five things you can do to help get rid of foul-smelling gas and bloating.

Adjust Your Diet

If your flatulence is foul-smelling, there is a good chance that it's related to something you ate. Foods such as meat, eggs, onions, and garlic can increase both the amount and smelliness of your gas. The same applies to any foods that are excessively fatty.

Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, contain sulfur-containing compounds that offer many health benefits yet also can to contribute to foul-smelling gas, particularly when eaten in large amounts.

You may want to be more strategic and eat these foods in smaller amounts or you can try eliminating them from your diet and then slowly reintroducing them to see which ones lead to the most gas for you.

Similarly, eating or drinking dairy products (such as milk, cheese, or yogurt) can increase gas and bloating if you are lactose intolerant.

Avoid Carbonated Drinks

Carbonated drinks like sparkling water, seltzer, and sodas contain carbon dioxide, which is a gas that can contribute to bloating and gas. Try reducing or avoiding these drinks to see if you get some relief.

Address Constipation

Constipation, or having bowel movements less and two or three times per week, can also trigger off-putting smells by increasing the fermentation process of foods in the digestive tract.

Things you can do to help relieve constipation include gradually increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting physical activity. Your healthcare provider may also recommend taking an over-the-counter laxative for a short time.

Reduce Swallowed Air

Slow down when you eat since quickly scarfing down a meal can increase the air you swallow and contribute to gas. Likewise, If you regularly drink from straws or chew gum throughout the day, you may be collecting gas from the air you swallow. Ditch the straws and the chewing gum to see if your gas improves.

Do Not Hold Back Gas

If you think you're making a lot of gas, it's probably because you're simply hearing or feeling it more. In one study of 30 people who thought their gas was excessive, 18 of them actually passed gas within a normal range.

In most cases, explosive flatulence is not a sign of disease. It is simply related to the amount of gas that has built up in the rectum. The reason for this may be based on everything from physiology (how much gas a person can hold) to the strength of the anal sphincter muscles.

Oftentimes, gas will leak through the anal sphincter without any sound or even feeling, especially during sleep. When you're awake, though, you may want to hold back your gas. This can lead to bloating and abdominal pain: When it's on the left side, pain can be confused with heart-related symptoms. On the right, it may seem like the pain of gallstones or appendicitis.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If your gas and bloating persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Related symptoms may be caused by a more serious condition, such as colorectal cancer. They can include:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Bloody stool

If you feel persistent pressure and a noticeable fullness in the rectum even when vacant, speak with your healthcare provider. This may be a sign of rectal cancer.

However, keep in mind that painful bloating and flatulence can have many causes. They also can occur alongside other anorectal conditions including anal fissure, hemorrhoids, or even irritation caused by prolonged diarrhea.

Summary

Passing a lot of smelly gas may be embarrassing, but it's usually just a normal part of digestion. To help reduce gas and bloating, you can try adjusting what you eat and drink and ditching straws and chewing gum. If you're uncertain about any symptoms that accompany your foul-smelling gas, see your healthcare provider and have it checked out.