7 Signs Your Gas Or Bloating Is A Bigger Issue

Though unpleasant, gas and bloating are simply biological functions that every person — and animal — has to deal with at times. In fact, a large study found that 1 in 5 people in the United States reported feeling bloated at least once in the past week , often accompanied by distention (aka, when the stomach looks “swollen”). Not to mention, the average person passes gas between 13 to 21 times a day .

“It is normal after eating to have some degree of bloating, because as food is digested, certain components of food may ferment and produce gas, which can make the stomach appear distended,” Dr. Vivy Cusumano , a gastroenterologist at UCLA Health, told HuffPost.

This is especially true when eating a diet rich in fiber and when eating large amounts of constipation-causing foodssuch as red meat and dairy products.

However, Cusumano explained that when gas or bloating is associated with other symptoms, it may be cause for concern. Below are seven signs that your gas or bloating may be a larger issue.

Constipation Or Bloody Stools

Doctors agree that your poop can reveal a ton about your gut and gastrointestinal health . While it may seem a bit gross, you might want to check the toilet for any irregularities if you’re enduring chronic bloating or gas. Pay attention to the size, color and shape of your bowel movements, and note how frequently you go to the bathroom.

Chelsea C., a 32-year-old talent acquisition partner from British Columbia, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 18 after experiencing over a decade of gas, bloating and other GI-related symptoms.

“I’ve always had stomach issues, even as a child, and they could never figure out what it was. It wasn’t until I started passing blood in my stool where a