Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA
Bloating and excessive gas are common multifactorial symptoms for people living with ulcerative colitis (UC). If you have UC, you may notice that you're passing gas more often than usual or have uncomfortable bloating. While gas is a normal part of digestion, UC can make it worse. Over time this leads to more flatulence and other digestive symptoms. But why does UC cause bloating and excessive gas? Let's take a look at the causes and how you can manage this symptom.
Ulcerative Colitis and Gas
People with ulcerative colitis often produce more gas than usual because of higher levels of hydrogen sulfide in their digestive systems. Hydrogen sulfide is a gas naturally found in your body and one of the sources of bloating and gas with UC. When there’s too much of it, however, it can cause excessive flatulence and make your gas smell stronger. Hydrogen sulfide is made by bacteria in the colon. Extra hydrogen sulfide leads to:
- More flatulence: This gas needs to be released, and often through flatulence.
- Strong odor: Hydrogen sulfide is the same gas that gives rotten eggs their unpleasant smell, which is why your gas may have a particularly strong odor.
- Increased inflammation: Hydrogen sulfide can lead to inflammation in the colon. This makes the cycle of gas and bloating even worse.
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the colon, which makes it hard for your body to digest and absorb food. This can also lead to gas. Food that isn’t fully broken down by the time it reaches the large intestine ferments, which releases gases like hydrogen sulfide. Some people with UC also have gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining, which can lead to even more gas.
What Does UC Gas Feel Like?
If you have gas from UC, it might feel different from normal. Common signs include:
- Uncomfortable bloating
- Loud stomach noises
- Frequent flatulence
- Strong-smelling gas
Tips for Managing Gas
Gas is a normal part of digestion, but there are some things you can do to reduce the discomfort caused by UC-related bloating and flatulence. Here are some strategies that can help!
- Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
- Instead of eating large meals, try to eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. This can help prevent overwhelming your digestive system and reduce gas production.
- Keep a Food Journal
- Certain foods may trigger more gas, so it can help to keep a record of what you eat and when your gas symptoms are at their worst. Common culprits are dairy products, high-fiber foods, and vegetables like cabbage or beans.
- Drink Water
- Staying hydrated helps keep your digestive system moving smoothly. Drinking water throughout the day can flush out toxins and lower the amount of gas that builds up.
- Avoid Carbonated Drinks and Caffeine
- Carbonated drinks like soda and sparkling water have gas in them, which can add to your bloating. Caffeine in coffee, tea, or energy drinks can also irritate the digestive tract and worsen gas.
- Slow Down Your Eating
- Eating too quickly can cause you to swallow air, which contributes to bloating and gas. Take your time with meals, chew thoroughly, and avoid talking while eating to reduce the amount of air you swallow.
- Stay Active
- Exercise can help move gas through your digestive system. Even gentle exercises like walking, stretching, or yoga can promote digestion and reduce gas buildup.
When to Talk to a Doctor
If you’ve tried making these changes but are still having a hard time with excessive gas and bloating, talk with your doctor. They may want to review your treatment plan or refer you to a specialist, like a gastroenterologist. This doctor can help manage your symptoms more effectively. In rare cases, gas and bloating can signal a more serious complication, such as toxic megacolon. This condition can happen when the colon becomes overly inflamed and distorted with gas. If you have symptoms like severe abdominal pain, a high fever, or tenderness in your stomach, get medical attention immediately.
While bloating and excessive gas are common for people with ulcerative colitis, they can be managed! Try to identify your personal triggers and make small changes to your daily routine. If your gas and bloating keep happening despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to seek help from a doctor.
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