Everyone passes gas and flatulence (farting) from time to time throughout the day, and most of the time, it’s no big deal. However, excessive gas and bloating may be signs of a health condition that requires medical attention. A healthcare provider can examine you for underlying causes of your symptoms and recommend dietary changes, exercise or over-the-counter remedies to help alleviate your gas.
A sign that there could be a natural gas leak at your home is seeing air bubbles in standing water, such as puddles or mud. Those bubbling bubbles are formed by natural gas that seeps out of underground piping, escaping through soil and into the surrounding area. Other signs of a possible leak include dead or stunted plants, smaller-than-normal leaves on plants outside your house and yellowish patches of grass. If you suspect you have a gas leak, contact your local utility company immediately.
If your stomach is feeling full or swollen, it’s a gas signs that your digestive system is working overtime to digest foods and other substances. This excess digestion can cause bloating, pain and discomfort. It can also indicate that you have a food intolerance or a condition like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome. In some cases, your healthcare provider will ask you to keep a food diary or try removing certain foods from your diet to see if your gas symptoms improve. Foods that can trigger gas pain and bloating include beans, potatoes, corn, apples, onions and high-fiber foods.
Your sphincter muscles can weaken as you age, which can lead to an increase in the amount of gas you produce. But if your symptoms are severe, persistent or accompanied by abdominal pain, weight loss or fever, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Excess gas can be a symptom of some serious health conditions, including a hernia, appendicitis, diverticulitis or colon cancer. If your symptom is a sudden, sharp, intense pain in the lower abdomen, it could be an indication of appendicitis. A hernia is when an internal organ protrudes through a hole in your intestines or colon. Diverticulitis is when your intestines or colon develop an inflammation or narrowing of the passages, which can cause pain and bloating. Colon cancer is when a tumor develops in the large intestine.
Aside from numbers, gas station price signs can display many different symbols that might leave drivers bewildered at first glance. Understanding these symbols can help you make informed decisions at the pump and take advantage of special promotions or services. Whether you’re shopping for fuel, looking to wash your car or grab a snack, knowing what each symbol means will allow you to navigate your gas station with ease.