Gas, Bloating, and Burping

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Gas or indigestion that occurs with crushing or squeezing chest pain, feels like a heavy weight on the chest, or is occurring with any of the following symptoms of a heart attack:
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain that spreads from the chest to the back, neck, jaw, upper abdomen, or one or both shoulders or arms. See a picture of chest pain.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • A fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Do you have any of the following symptoms? If you do, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Chest pain: Go to the topic Chest Pain.
• Abdominal pain or cramping: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older or Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger.
• Vomiting: Go to the topic Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older or Vomiting, Age 3 and Younger.
• Diarrhea: Go to the topic Diarrhea, Age 12 and Older or Diarrhea, Age 11 and Younger.
• Constipation: Go to the topic Constipation, Age 12 or Older or Constipation, Age 11 and Younger.
• Black or bloody stool: Go to the topic Rectal Problems.
• Your baby seems to be having trouble with abdominal gas: Go to the topic: Crying, Age 3 and Younger.

Yes	Do you have burping and difficulty swallowing?
Yes	Do you think a medicine or supplement is causing your symptoms?
Yes	Do you have burping with abdominal fullness or indigestion?
Yes	Do you have abdominal fullness or bloating?
Yes	Do you have a problem with hiccups?
Yes	Do you have gas, burping, or bloating that begins after eating or drinking?
Yes	Have you had gas, burping, or bloating and a poor appetite or unexplained weight loss?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Heartburn: Go to the topic Heartburn.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: September 6, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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